The role of absorptive capacity in Chinese firms
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to advance and test a multi-dimensional operationalization of absorptive capacity (ACAP) to ascertain its mediating role in the transformation of R&D expenses in actual performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study departs from the conceptualization of ACAP as a reflective higher-order R&D-based construct, by specifying ACAP into its components and using an operationalization that encompasses both R&D and non-R&D measures to perform mediation analysis on a sample of 1,096 Chinese mainland firms.
Findings
This study's findings report evidence of positive but different roles of the components of ACAP, with specific reference to the positive but partial mediating role of realized ACAP between both R&D expenses and potential ACAP on a firm’s performance. Relevant research and practical implications for both management and policymaking are discussed.
Originality/value
The approach to ACAP conceptualization and measurement taken in this study provides empirical support to an often assumed and, incidentally, under-explored relationship. Moreover, it contributes with a multi-dimensional, non-exclusively R&D-based and process-oriented perspective to the analysis of the role played by ACAP in Chinese firms’ R&D effectiveness.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The research leading to these results has received funding from the People Programme (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013/under REA grant agreement no 610350, Project E.N.T.I.C.E. – Explaining the Nature of Technological Innovation in Chinese Enterprises.
Citation
Petti, C. and Zhang, S. (2016), "The role of absorptive capacity in Chinese firms", Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/MBE-11-2014-0047
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited