Knowledge creation: absorptive capacity, organizational mechanisms, and knowledge storage/retrieval capabilities

Abstract

Drawing on a knowledge-based perspective of the firm (KBV), this study develops a framework that delineates the interrelationships among 'the roles of individuals as well as organizations,' 'the IT capabilities of knowledge storage/ retrieval,' and 'knowledge creation.' In order to test the feasibility of this framework, we conducted an empirical study. This study employed a survey instrument, which collected data from 1000 respondents from organizations in manufacturing, trade, transportation, service industries, and academic institutions. A total of 271 useable responses were analyzed. The major contributions of this research are to: (a) develop a knowledge management framework based on individual and organizational perspectives; (b) identify the impact of individuals' absorptive capacity, and organizational mechanisms, on knowledge creation; and (c) specify the moderating effect of organizational memory. The implications of the study are provided, and further research directions are proposed.