← All articles

Photo · Gordon More

Absorptive capacity for need knowledge: Antecedents and effects for employee innovativeness

Tim Schweisfurth, Christina Raasch · 2018 · Research Policy

Summary. This study examines how employees absorb two distinct types of knowledge—understanding customer needs and understanding technological solutions—and how this absorption affects their innovativeness. Using 864 employees from a home appliance company, the researchers found that absorptive capacity for needs and solutions are separate capabilities, both boosting innovation. Interestingly, prior solution knowledge helps employees understand customer needs, but prior need knowledge actually hinders their ability to absorb solution knowledge.

Read the original

Cite this article

Schweisfurth, T., & Raasch, C.. (2018). Absorptive capacity for need knowledge: Antecedents and effects for employee innovativeness. Research Policy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2018.01.017

Details

DOI
10.1016/j.respol.2018.01.017
Countries
Denmark, Germany
Regions
Europe
Categories
innovation-theory, general-innovation
Added
2026-04-28