The effects of Information Technology on absorptive capacity and organisational performance

Abstract

Information Technology (IT) offers many opportunities for firms to succeed. The aim of this paper is to present a model to reflect how technical IT skills and the use of IT in interdependent tasks may influence the development of organisational absorptive capacity, both potential and realised, which also affects organisational performance. Since knowledge constitutes one of the main resources for organisations to gain competitive advantages and helps firms to improve their organisational performance, absorptive capacity is a key factor in success. This model was tested empirically using a sample of 160 European technological firms. The results of our analysis suggest that the mastery of technical IT skills and the use of IT in interdependent tasks positively affect potential and realised absorptive capacities, which in turn enhances organisational performance. The study concludes by presenting some theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future research lines.

Keywords:

• Information Technology
• technical IT skills
• interdependent tasks
• potential absorptive capacity
• realised absorptive capacity
• organisational performance

Notes on contributors

María Teresa Bolívar-Ramos is a PhD candidate and teaching Assistant of Business Management at the University of Granada, Spain. Her research interests include new technologies, technological distinctive competencies, absorptive capacity, organisational learning, innovation, corporate entrepreneurship, and organisational performance. She has published in the Journal of Engineering and Technology Management.

Víctor J. García-Morales is a Professor of Management, Business Economy and Environmental Issues at the University of Granada, Spain. He received his PhD in Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management at the University of Granada. His current research interests include organisational learning, innovation, new technologies, corporate entrepreneurship, and organisational performance. He has published in more than 50 journals, such as the British Journal of Management, Technovation, Industrial Management & Data Systems, Production Planning and Control, International Journal of Human Resource Management, Teaching and Teacher Education, International Journal of Manpower, and Journal of Communication, among others.

Rodrigo Martín-Rojas is an Assistant Professor of Business Management at the University of León, Spain. He holds a PhD in Management, University of Granada. His research interests include personal IT innovativeness, new technologies, information technologies, technological distinctive competencies, corporate entrepreneurship, and organisational performance. He has published in the Journal of Industrial Management & Data Systems and the Journal of Knowledge Management.