Critical analysis of the use of Absorptive Capacity theory in is research

Michael Addorisio; Shijia Gao; William Yeoh; Siew Fan Wong

Critical analysis of the use of Absorptive Capacity theory in is research

Michael Addorisio
, Shijia Gao
, William Yeoh
, Siew Fan Wong

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper critically analyzes the use of Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) theory in information systems (IS) research. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the evolution of ACAP theory and models for the construct, we empirically investigate a number of ACAP-related papers published in reputable IS journals. The analysis involves four main areas: 1) summary analysis of ACAP in IS papers; 2) domains of ACAP usage; 3) analysis of hypotheses to show how ACAP is being used to explain various organizational phenomena in IS research; and 4) analysis of measures to gain insights into the operationalization of ACAP in IS research. This research advocates that organization-level ACAP should be applied as the dependent variable in studying the impact of IS. Furthermore, ACAP should be conceptualized as a "capability," rather than an "asset." This paper contributes to IS and ACAP studies by investigating and clearly specifying the utility of ACAP in IS research.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	35th International Conference on Information Systems "Building a Better World Through Information Systems", ICIS 2014
Publication status	Published - 2014
Externally published	Yes
Event	35th International Conference on Information Systems: Building a Better World Through Information Systems, ICIS 2014 - Auckland, New Zealand Duration: 14 Dec 2014 → 17 Dec 2014

Conference

Conference	35th International Conference on Information Systems: Building a Better World Through Information Systems, ICIS 2014
Country/Territory	New Zealand
City	Auckland
Period	14/12/14 → 17/12/14

Keywords

Absorptive Capacity (ACAP)
Critical analysis
Information Systems (IS) research

Cite this

@inproceedings{d99c1c37e7e54db2b8627a3524000e0c,

title = "Critical analysis of the use of Absorptive Capacity theory in is research",

abstract = "This paper critically analyzes the use of Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) theory in information systems (IS) research. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the evolution of ACAP theory and models for the construct, we empirically investigate a number of ACAP-related papers published in reputable IS journals. The analysis involves four main areas: 1) summary analysis of ACAP in IS papers; 2) domains of ACAP usage; 3) analysis of hypotheses to show how ACAP is being used to explain various organizational phenomena in IS research; and 4) analysis of measures to gain insights into the operationalization of ACAP in IS research. This research advocates that organization-level ACAP should be applied as the dependent variable in studying the impact of IS. Furthermore, ACAP should be conceptualized as a {"}capability,{"} rather than an {"}asset.{"} This paper contributes to IS and ACAP studies by investigating and clearly specifying the utility of ACAP in IS research.",

keywords = "Absorptive Capacity (ACAP), Critical analysis, Information Systems (IS) research",

author = "Michael Addorisio and Shijia Gao and William Yeoh and Wong, \{Siew Fan\}",

year = "2014",

language = "English",

isbn = "9781634396943",

booktitle = "35th International Conference on Information Systems {"}Building a Better World Through Information Systems{"}, ICIS 2014",

note = "35th International Conference on Information Systems: Building a Better World Through Information Systems, ICIS 2014 ; Conference date: 14-12-2014 Through 17-12-2014",

}

Addorisio, M, Gao, S, Yeoh, W & Wong, SF 2014, Critical analysis of the use of Absorptive Capacity theory in is research. in 35th International Conference on Information Systems "Building a Better World Through Information Systems", ICIS 2014. 35th International Conference on Information Systems: Building a Better World Through Information Systems, ICIS 2014, Auckland, New Zealand, 14/12/14.

TY - GEN

T1 - Critical analysis of the use of Absorptive Capacity theory in is research

AU - Addorisio, Michael

AU - Gao, Shijia

AU - Yeoh, William

AU - Wong, Siew Fan

PY - 2014

Y1 - 2014

N2 - This paper critically analyzes the use of Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) theory in information systems (IS) research. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the evolution of ACAP theory and models for the construct, we empirically investigate a number of ACAP-related papers published in reputable IS journals. The analysis involves four main areas: 1) summary analysis of ACAP in IS papers; 2) domains of ACAP usage; 3) analysis of hypotheses to show how ACAP is being used to explain various organizational phenomena in IS research; and 4) analysis of measures to gain insights into the operationalization of ACAP in IS research. This research advocates that organization-level ACAP should be applied as the dependent variable in studying the impact of IS. Furthermore, ACAP should be conceptualized as a "capability," rather than an "asset." This paper contributes to IS and ACAP studies by investigating and clearly specifying the utility of ACAP in IS research.

AB - This paper critically analyzes the use of Absorptive Capacity (ACAP) theory in information systems (IS) research. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the evolution of ACAP theory and models for the construct, we empirically investigate a number of ACAP-related papers published in reputable IS journals. The analysis involves four main areas: 1) summary analysis of ACAP in IS papers; 2) domains of ACAP usage; 3) analysis of hypotheses to show how ACAP is being used to explain various organizational phenomena in IS research; and 4) analysis of measures to gain insights into the operationalization of ACAP in IS research. This research advocates that organization-level ACAP should be applied as the dependent variable in studying the impact of IS. Furthermore, ACAP should be conceptualized as a "capability," rather than an "asset." This paper contributes to IS and ACAP studies by investigating and clearly specifying the utility of ACAP in IS research.

KW - Absorptive Capacity (ACAP)

KW - Critical analysis

KW - Information Systems (IS) research

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85107712950

M3 - Conference contribution

AN - SCOPUS:85107712950

SN - 9781634396943

BT - 35th International Conference on Information Systems "Building a Better World Through Information Systems", ICIS 2014

T2 - 35th International Conference on Information Systems: Building a Better World Through Information Systems, ICIS 2014

Y2 - 14 December 2014 through 17 December 2014

ER -

Critical analysis of the use of Absorptive Capacity theory in is research

Abstract

Conference

Keywords

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