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Abstract

This paper is a semantic review research as a preliminary study to analyze the use of Absorptive Capacity (AC) theory in Information Systems (IS) research. This study aims to contribute to filling the gaps in the AC literature by analyzing the evolution of AC theory and models. A systematic literature review was carried out using an analysis of articles from ten leading journals in the IS field based on Scientific Journal Rankings. The selection of SI journals in the 1st quartile status aims to cover research related to research topics with good quality. The results show that the implementation of AC in IS is different from the initial concept of AC that was formed. The study identified the main driving factor for AC that has not been fully revealed in AC research in IS, namely Organizational Behavior. This study opens up future research opportunities to explore each dimension of AC development.

۱٫ Introduction

Absorptive Capacity theory (AC) has evolved since a new theory was introduced [1]–[۳]. This theory is introduced by Cohen [4] for the first time in social science. There are at least 278,000 articles found in Google Scholar engine that discuss about AC [5]. It shows that AC theory is an interesting topic to be researched about. The first time the theory was discussed in scientific research, it was described as the organization’s ability to learn about identifying, assimilating and exploiting the knowledge from the environment [4]. AC is an important theory in Information System research (IS) [6].

Cohen and Levinthal (1990) [4] suggest paying attention on individual cognitive ability for AC improvement. It is considered as part of organization’s construction [1]-[3]. Although AC (AC) relates to learning and knowledge, many AC’s researches do not focus on individual role contribution in this development [11]. They are more focused on structural and procedural processes in the organization [3]. According to Zahra and Goerge [1], there are many ambiguities in the description of measurement, definition, component, antecedent, and result of AC. The organization’s competitive advantage can be achieved through AC. Therefore, the organization gives the maximum support to it [7]. It is important to understand how researchers observe and explain how far AC engagement in the organization is. This is necessary so that organizations can utilize these capabilities optimally [6]. Meanwhile, there are differences in theory interpretation and implementation as aforementioned (and see Absorbtive Capacity definition section). Responding to these problemss, this study seeks to provide an overview of the literature on the development of AC theory since its inception until now and clarify the construct of individual role on it. Specifically, this study is expected to contribute to AC theory which fills the gap between formal AC process and how the organization can achieve their competitive advantage. In addition, this study also presents what components of AC are consistently used in the article. The next part of this paper describes the literature review, the third part is the research method, the fourth part is the results of the study and the last part is the conclusions and suggestions for further research.