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Knowing, power and materiality: a critical review and reconceptualization of absorptive capacity
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 18:05 authored by Marco Marabelli, Susan NewellMost studies on absorptive capacity (AC) are based on assumptions that are characteristic of viewing knowledge from an epistemology of possession (knowledge is possessed by individuals and is transferrable). However, the literature on managing knowledge (or better knowledge work) acknowledges also an epistemology of practice (knowledge is unpredictable and dynamic and constituted in and through practice). Moreover, the literature on AC is relatively silent on the relationship between knowledge and power. In this paper, the authors argue that the AC construct should be interpreted in light of the possession and the practice perspectives of knowledge and power. The analysis includes a systematic literature review of AC that supports the authors' claims and, based on this, they suggest an interpretation of the construct that takes into account knowledge–power relationships. This review and theorizing contribute to a richer and processual view of AC.
History
Publication status
- Published
Journal
International Journal Of Management ReviewsISSN
1468-2370Publisher
Blackwell PublishingExternal DOI
Issue
4Volume
16Page range
479-499Department affiliated with
- Business and Management Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2014-08-12Usage metrics
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