The differential effects of potential and realized absorptive capacity on imitation and innovation strategies, and its impact on sustained competitive advantage

Algarni, Mohammad A., Ali, Murad, Leal-Rodríguez, Antonio L. and Albort-Morant, Gema (2023) The differential effects of potential and realized absorptive capacity on imitation and innovation strategies, and its impact on sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Business Research, 158. p. 113674. ISSN 0148-2963

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2023.113674

Abstract

Drawing on the knowledge-based view of the firm and the theory of resources and capabilities, this study attempts to (i) investigate the differential antecedent roles of knowledge-based capabilities such as potential and realized absorptive capacity on imitation and innovation strategies, and (ii) to assess how such interactions lead firms to achieve a sustained competitive advantage. Using quantitative data from 211 managers in middle and top managerial roles, we conducted structural equation modeling via partial least squares. This paper contends that imitation and innovation strategies might be complementary while yielding competitive advantages, and that the degree to which organizations absorb external knowledge has an impact on this connection. Contrary to previous research, this novel focus treats innovation and imitation strategies as distinct, but not opposing, notions. The results of this study fill a knowledge gap in the field of innovation management and provide empirical evidence for the interplay between absorptive capacity and the two complementary business strategies—innovation and imitation—which aids organizations in maintaining their competitive advantages.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Funding information: This project was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia under grant no. (KEP-Msc-1-120-38). The authors, therefore, gratefully acknowledge with thanks DSR technical and financial support.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Potential absorptive capacity, Realized absorptive capacity, Imitation and innovation strategies, Sustained competitive advantage, PLS-SEM
Subjects: N100 Business studies
N500 Marketing
Department: Faculties > Business and Law > Newcastle Business School
Depositing User: Elena Carlaw
Date Deposited: 10 Feb 2023 16:39
Last Modified: 10 Feb 2023 16:45
URI: https://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/51383

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