Development and Application of the Theory of Absorptive Capacity in Sport Business

Hossinpour, Eskandar; Vahdani, Mohsen

doi:10.22059/jsm.2022.345938.2996

Development and Application of the Theory of Absorptive Capacity in Sport Business

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Eskandar Hossinpour ¹

Mohsen Vahdani ²

¹ Faculty of Management and Accounting, Farabi Campus, University of Tehran, Ghom, Iran.

² Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22059/jsm.2022.345938.2996

Abstract

Introduction: One of the important and practical theories in the field of organizational learning is the theory of absorptive capacity. The purpose of this research was to develope and apply the theory of Absorptive capacity in sport business.
Methods: The research was applied in terms of purpose. It was done qualitatively. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with 24 managers and entrepreneurs in the sport industry. The interviewing process continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The researchers used triangulation, respondent validation, and peer examination strategies to validate the research process. The data was coded in two steps.
Results: The findings of the research showed that the expanded model of absorptive capacities includes three main themes: 1- sources of knowledge acquisition, 2- understanding, transformation and application of knowledge, and 3- benefits and consequences of knowledge development in sports business.
Conclusion: The findings of this research show that a sports company or business can improve its strategic, innovative and marketing capabilities by creating, storing and effectively disseminating knowledge. Taking advantage of this theory helps managers of sports organizations to provide new ideas and innovations in their services and products by absorbing new knowledge, and this will benefit the organization and the company from the point of view of branding and economy.

Keywords

Absorptive capacity theory

Competitive advantage

Innovation

Knowledge management

Sport industry

Andersson, S., Awuah, G. B., Aagerup, U., & Wictor, I. (2020). How do mature born globals create customer value to achieve international growth? International Marketing Review.

Berkhout, G., Hartmann, D., & Trott, P. (2010). Connecting technological capabilities with market needs using a cyclic innovation model. R&d Management, 40(5), 474-490.

Carayannis, E. G., & Wang, V. W. L. (2012). Competitiveness model—a double diamond. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 3(3), 280-293.

Carlo, J. L., Lyytinen, K., & Rose, G. M. (2012). A knowledge-based model of radical innovation in small software firms. MIS quarterly, 865-895.

Chaparro, X. A. F., Kozesinski, R., & Júnior, A. S. C. (2021). Absorptive capacity in startups: A systematic literature review. Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, 17(1), 59-95.

Chatterjee, S., Majumdar, D., Misra, S., & Damaševičius, R. (2020). Adoption of mobile applications for teaching-learning process in rural girls’ schools in India: an empirical study. Education and Information Technologies, 25(5), 4057-4076.

Cohen, W. M., & Levinthal, D. A. (1990). Absorptive capacity: A new perspective on learning and innovation. Administrative science quarterly, 128-152.

De Clercq, D., Sapienza, H. J., Yavuz, R. I., & Zhou, L. (2012). Learning and knowledge in early internationalization research: Past accomplishments and future directions. Journal of business venturing, 27(1), 143-165.

Jiao, H., Alon, I., Koo, C. K., & Cui, Y. (2013). When should organizational change be implemented? The moderating effect of environmental dynamism between dynamic capabilities and new venture performance. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 30(2), 188-205.

Lane, P. J., Koka, B. R., & Pathak, S. (2006). The reification of absorptive capacity: A critical review and rejuvenation of the construct. Academy of management review, 31(4), 833-863.

Lane, P. J., & Lubatkin, M. (1998). Relative absorptive capacity and interorganizational learning. Strategic management journal, 19(5), 461-477.

Lindner, F., & Wald, A. (2011). Success factors of knowledge management in temporary organizations. International Journal of project management, 29(7), 877-88.

Majdi, A. A., Teimouri, M., & Mirmohammad Tabar, S. A. (2018). Analyzing the Effective Factors in Organizational Learning: A Meta-Analysis of the Current Literature. Journal Of Social Sciences, 15(1), 21-50. https://doi.org/10.22067/jss.v15i1.53167 (In Persian)

Malekmahmoodi, v., mondalizadeh, z., & zohrevandian, k. (2022). The Effect of Innovation Capability on Innovative Performance of Sport Clubs [Research]. New Trends in Sport Management, 9(35), 29-44. http://ntsmj.issma.ir/article-1-1462-fa.html (In Persian)

Matusik, S. F., & Heeley, M. B. (2005). Absorptive capacity in the software industry: Identifying dimensions that affect knowledge and knowledge creation activities. Journal of Management, 31(4), 549-572.

Maxwell, J. A. (2012). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach. Sage publications.

Mindruta, D. (2013). Value creation in university‐firm research collaborations: A matching approach. Strategic management journal, 34(6), 644-665.

Naqshbandi, M. M., & Jasimuddin, S. M. (2022). The linkage between open innovation, absorptive capacity and managerial ties: A cross-country perspective. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 7(2), 100167.

Papi, m., Mondalizadeh, z., & zohrevandian, k. (2021). Determining the Strategies of Innovation in the Sport clubs Based on the Blue Ocean Approach. Sport Management Studies, 13(66), 207-234. https://doi.org/10.22089/smrj.2020.8425.2880 (In Persian)

Reus, T. H., Lamont, B. T., & Ellis, K. M. (2016). A darker side of knowledge transfer following international acquisitions. Strategic management journal, 37(5), 932-944.

Saldaña, J. (2021). The coding manual for qualitative researchers. The coding manual for qualitative researchers, 1-440.

Sancho-Zamora, R., Hernández-Perlines, F., Peña-García, I., & Gutiérrez-Broncano, S. (2022). The Impact of Absorptive Capacity on Innovation: The Mediating Role of Organizational Learning. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(2), 842.

Song, Y., Gnyawali, D. R., Srivastava, M. K., & Asgari, E. (2018). In search of precision in absorptive capacity research: A synthesis of the literature and consolidation of findings. Journal of Management, 44(6), 2343-2374.

Sullivan, D. M., & Marvel, M. R. (2011). Knowledge acquisition, network reliance, and early‐stage technology venture outcomes. Journal of Management Studies, 48(6), 1169-1193.

Todorova, G., & Durisin, B. (2007). Absorptive capacity: Valuing a reconceptualization. Academy of management review, 32(3), 774-786.

Wolcott, H. F. (2005). The art of fieldwork. Rowman Altamira.

Wu, L., & Chen, J.-L. (2014). Knowledge management driven firm performance: the roles of business process capabilities and organizational learning. Journal of Knowledge Management.

Zahra, S. A., & George, G. (2002). Absorptive capacity: A review, reconceptualization, and extension. Academy of management review, 27(2), 185-203.