Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions

Mercy Asaa Asiedu; Jesse Kwaku Doe

doi:doi:10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12

| Peer-Reviewed

Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions

Mercy Asaa Asiedu, Jesse Kwaku Doe

Published in Education Journal (Volume 12, Issue 1)

Received: 6 December 2022 Accepted: 27 December 2022 Published: 30 January 2023

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

This paper examines the role that Openness in Communication (OPCOM) plays in the acquisition and exploitation of new knowledge across faculties and departments of the higher education institution (HEI) community for Innovation Generation (INNG). Using the survey research design, data was collected from 282 lecturers purposively selected from the Business Schools of 20 HEIs in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. In testing the hypotheses proposed for the study, the data were analyzed using the Smart Partial Least Squares approach to structural equation modelling. The results revealed that OPCOM is important for the acquisition, sharing and transfer of knowledge in HEIs and has a mediation effect between knowledge acquisition and the generation of innovations. Even though the academic community is typically individualistic, mutual interest between academics can be stimulated if various platforms and open communication forums are established for the exchange and sharing of ideas, knowledge and opinions. HEIs need to invest resources and efforts at building strong relationships that facilitate collaboration, trust and interactions among varying faculties, departments and units. This will facilitate the easy sharing new knowledge to help innovate new products such as improved curricula, enhanced academic instruction and quality research output for the university to sustain their relevance and competitive advantage.

Published in	Education Journal (Volume 12, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12
Page(s)	15-24
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Absorptive Capacity, Knowledge Acquisition, Openness in Communication, Innovation Generation, Higher Education Institution

References

[1]	Camisón, C. and B. Forés, Knowledge absorptive capacity: New insights for its conceptualization and measurement. Journal of Business Research, 2010. 63 (7): p. 707-715.
[2]	Matusik, S. F. and M. B. Heeley, Absorptive capacity in the software industry: Identifying dimensions that affect knowledge and knowledge creation activities. Journal of Management, 2005. 31 (4): p. 549-572.
[3]	Cohen, W. M. and D. A. Levinthal, Absorptive capacity: A new perspective on learning and innovation. Administrative science quarterly, 1990: p. 128-152.
[4]	Lane, P. J., B. R. Koka, and S. Pathak, The reification of absorptive capacity: A critical review and rejuvenation of the construct. Academy of management review, 2006. 31 (4): p. 833-863.
[5]	Lewin, A. Y., S. Massini, and C. Peeters, Microfoundations of internal and external absorptive capacity routines. Organization science, 2011. 22 (1): p. 81-98.
[6]	Zahra, S. A. and G. George, Absorptive capacity: A review, reconceptualization, and extension. Academy of management review, 2002. 27 (2): p. 185-203.
[7]	Easterby-Smith, M., et al., Absorptive capacity: A process perspective. Management learning, 2008. 39 (5): p. 483-501.
[8]	Song, Y., et al., In search of precision in absorptive capacity research: A synthesis of the literature and consolidation of findings. Journal of Management, 2018. 44 (6): p. 2343-2374.
[9]	Volberda, H. W., N. J. Foss, and M. A. Lyles, Perspective-Absorbing the concept of absorptive capacity: How to realize its potential in the organization field. Organization science, 2010. 21 (4): p. 931-951.
[10]	Mayo, E., The social problems of an industrial civilization, including, as an appendix: The political problem of industrial civilization. 1945: Division of Research, Graduate School of Business Administration, Harvard ….
[11]	Likert, R., The human organization: its management and values. 1967.
[12]	Redding, W. C., Communication within the organization: An interpretive review of theory and research. 1972: Industrial Communication Council.
[13]	Jablin, F. M. and K. J. Krone, Task/work relationships: A life-span perspective. Handbook of interpersonal communication, 1994. 2: p. 621-675.
[14]	Rogers, D. P., The development of a measure of perceived communication openness. The Journal of Business Communication (1973), 1987. 24 (4): p. 53-61.
[15]	Men, L. R. and D. Stacks, The effects of authentic leadership on strategic internal communication and employee-organization relationships. Journal of public relations research, 2014. 26 (4): p. 301-324.
[16]	Ma, E. and M. Kim, A study on the organizational members' knowledge-sharing in the public institutes. Information Systems Review, 2005. 7 (1): p. 55-67.
[17]	Davenport, T. H. and S. C. Völpel, The rise of knowledge towards attention management. Journal of knowledge management, 2001.
[18]	Veer-Ramjeawon, P. and J. Rowley, Embedding knowledge management in higher education institutions (HEIs): a comparison between two countries. Studies in Higher Education, 2020. 45 (11): p. 2324-2340.
[19]	Jiang, H. and Y. Luo, Crafting employee trust: from authenticity, transparency to engagement. Journal of Communication Management, 2018.
[20]	Rawlins, B., Give the emperor a mirror: Toward developing a stakeholder measurement of organizational transparency. Journal of public relations research, 2008. 21 (1): p. 71-99.
[21]	Balkin, J. M., How mass media simulate political transparency. Journal for cultural research, 1999. 3 (4): p. 393-413.
[22]	Rawlins, B. R., Measuring the relationship between organizational transparency and employee trust. 2008.
[23]	Men, R. L. and S. A. Bowen, Excellence in internal communication management. 2016: Business Expert Press.
[24]	Men, L. R., Internal reputation management: The impact of authentic leadership and transparent communication. Corporate reputation review, 2014. 17 (4): p. 254-272.
[25]	Seonghee, K. and J. Boryung, An analysis of faculty perceptions: Attitudes toward knowledge sharing and collaboration in an academic institution. Library & Information Science Research, 2008. 30 (4): p. 282-290.
[26]	Hunt, O., D. Tourish, and O. D. Hargie, The communication experiences of education managers: identifying strengths, weaknesses and critical incidents. International Journal of Educational Management, 2000.
[27]	Kogut, B. and U. Zander, Knowledge of the Firm, Combinative Capabilities, and the Replication of Technology. Organization Science, 1992. 3: p. 383-397.
[28]	Nonaka, I. and R. Toyama, The knowledge-creating theory revisited: knowledge creation as a synthesizing process, in The essentials of knowledge management. 2015, Springer. p. 95-110.
[29]	Nonaka, I. and H. Takeuchi, The Knowledge Creating. New York, 1995. 304.
[30]	Nonaka, I., G. Von Krogh, and S. Voelpel, Organizational knowledge creation theory: Evolutionary paths and future advances. Organization studies, 2006. 27 (8): p. 1179-1208.
[31]	Von Krogh, G., I. Nonaka, and L. Rechsteiner, Leadership in organizational knowledge creation: A review and framework. Journal of management studies, 2012. 49 (1): p. 240-277.
[32]	Nonaka, I., R. Toyama, and N. Konno, SECI, Ba and leadership: a unified model of dynamic knowledge creation. Long range planning, 2000. 33 (1): p. 5-34.
[33]	Senge, P. M., The art and practice of the learning organization. Vol. 1. 1990: New York: Doubleday.
[34]	Crossan, M., D. Vera, and S. Pathak, 467C8.1 Organizational Learning, in Strategic Management: State of the Field and Its Future, I. M. Duhaime, M. A. Hitt, and M. A. Lyles, Editors. 2021, Oxford University Press. p. 0.
[35]	Taylor, D. A. and I. Altman, Self-disclosure as a function of reward-cost outcomes. Sociometry, 1975: p. 18-31.
[36]	Baack, D., C. Fogliasso, and J. Harris, The personal imapact of ethical decisiosn: A social penetration theory. Journal of Business Ethics, 2000. 24 (1): p. 39-49.
[37]	Ahuja, G. and R. Katila, Technological acquisitions and the innovation performance of acquiring firms: A longitudinal study. Strategic management journal, 2001. 22 (3): p. 197-220.
[38]	Hameed, W. U., Q. A. Nisar, and H.- C. Wu, Relationships between external knowledge, internal innovation, firms’ open innovation performance, service innovation and business performance in the Pakistani hotel industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 2021. 92: p. 102745.
[39]	Wang, Z. and N. Wang, Knowledge sharing, innovation and firm performance. Expert systems with applications, 2012. 39 (10): p. 8899-8908.
[40]	Asiedu, M. A. and J. K. Doe, Conceptualization of Absorptive Capacity Dimensions in Higher Education Institutions: A Qualitative View. Education Journal, 2022. 11 (6): p. 326-336.
[41]	Lane, P. J. and M. Lubatkin, Relative absorptive capacity and interorganizational learning. Strategic management journal, 1998. 19 (5): p. 461-477.
[42]	Grant, R. M., Toward a knowledge-based theory of the firm. Strategic management journal, 1996. 17 (S2): p. 109-122.
[43]	Gagne, R. M., The acquisition of knowledge. Psychological Review, 1962. 69: p. 355-365.
[44]	Srivastava, M. K., D. R. Gnyawali, and D. E. Hatfield, Behavioral implications of absorptive capacity: The role of technological effort and technological capability in leveraging alliance network technological resources. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 2015. 92: p. 346-358.
[45]	Nonaka, I., A Dynamic Theory of Organizational Knowledge Creation. Organization Science, 1994. 5: p. 14-37.
[46]	Kezar, A., J. P. M. Dizon, and D. Scott, Senior leadership teams in higher education: What we know and what we need to know. Innovative Higher Education, 2020. 45 (2): p. 103-120.
[47]	Kezar, A., Redesigning for collaboration within higher education institutions: An exploration into the developmental process. Research in Higher Education, 2005. 46 (7): p. 831-860.
[48]	Jansen, J. J., F. A. Van Den Bosch, and H. W. Volberda, Managing potential and realized absorptive capacity: how do organizational antecedents matter? Academy of management journal, 2005. 48 (6): p. 999-1015.
[49]	Sykes, S., Talent, diversity and growing expectations. Journal of Communication Management, 2002.
[50]	Voolaid, K. and Ü. Ehrlich, Organizational learning of higher education institutions: the case of Estonia. The Learning Organization, 2017.
[51]	Paudel, K. P., Level of Knowledge Management among Faculty Members in the Context of Nepali Higher Educational Institution. Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 2020. 14: p. 124-130.
[52]	Todorova, G. and B. Durisin, Absorptive capacity: Valuing a reconceptualization. Academy of management review, 2007. 32 (3): p. 774-786.
[53]	Chen, C.-J. and J.-W. Huang, Strategic human resource practices and innovation performance—The mediating role of knowledge management capacity. Journal of business research, 2009. 62 (1): p. 104-114.
[54]	Dyer, J. H. and K. Nobeoka, Creating and managing a high-performance knowledge-sharing network: the Toyota case. Strategic management journal, 2000. 21 (3): p. 345-367.
[55]	Osobajo, O. A. and B. Bjeirmi, Aligning tacit knowledge and competitive advantage: a resource-based view. International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies, 2021. 12 (3): p. 203-226.
[56]	Nonaka, I. and N. Konno, The concept of “Ba”: Building a foundation for knowledge creation. California management review, 1998. 40 (3): p. 40-54.
[57]	Chen, H., et al., Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation for experience grounded tacit knowledge sharing in Chinese software organisations. Journal of Knowledge Management, 2018.
[58]	Tsai, W., Knowledge transfer in intraorganizational networks: Effects of network position and absorptive capacity on business unit innovation and performance. Academy of management journal, 2001. 44 (5): p. 996-1004.
[59]	Nahapiet, J. and S. Ghoshal, Social capital, intellectual capital, and the organizational advantage. Academy of management review, 1998. 23 (2): p. 242-266.
[60]	Bartels, F. and R. Koria, Mapping, measuring and managing African national systems of innovation for policy and development: The case of the Ghana national system of innovation. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 2014. 6: p. 383-400.
[61]	Schomaker, M. S. and S. Zaheer, The role of language in knowledge transfer to geographically dispersed manufacturing operations. Journal of International Management, 2014. 20 (1): p. 55-72.
[62]	Herriot, P. and W. Scott–Jackson, Globalization, social identities and employment. British Journal of Management, 2002. 13 (3): p. 249-257.
[63]	Yang, S.-Y. and K.-H. Tsai, Lifting the veil on the link between absorptive capacity and innovation: The roles of cross-functional integration and customer orientation. Industrial Marketing Management, 2019. 82: p. 117-130.
[64]	Straub, D., M.-C. Boudreau, and D. Gefen, Validation guidelines for IS positivist research. Communications of the Association for Information systems, 2004. 13 (1): p. 24.
[65]	Wang, L., J. Z. Zhao, and K. Z. Zhou, How do incentives motivate absorptive capacity development? The mediating role of employee learning and relational contingencies. Journal of Business Research, 2018. 85: p. 226-237.
[66]	Liao, J., H. Welsch, and M. Stoica, Organizational absorptive capacity and responsiveness: An empirical investigation of growth–oriented SMEs. Entrepreneurship Theory and practice, 2003. 28 (1): p. 63-86.
[67]	Zhao, J. and J. Anand, A multilevel perspective on knowledge transfer: Evidence from the Chinese automotive industry. Strategic Management Journal, 2009. 30: p. 959-983.
[68]	Hair, J., et al., A Primer on Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). 2022.
[69]	FarajAllah, A., et al., The Nature of Work and Its Relation to the Type of Communication among Employees in Palestinian Universities-A Comparative Study between Al-Azhar and Al-Aqsa Universities. 2018.
[70]	Henseler, J., C. M. Ringle, and M. Sarstedt, A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. Journal of the academy of marketing science, 2015. 43 (1): p. 115-135.
[71]	Fornell, C. and D. F. Larcker, Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal of Marketing Research, 1981. 18: p. 39-50.
[72]	Hu, L. t. and P. M. Bentler, Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural equation modeling: a multidisciplinary journal, 1999. 6 (1): p. 1-55.
[73]	Lee, Y., et al., Enhancing employees’ knowledge sharing through diversity-oriented leadership and strategic internal communication during the COVID-19 outbreak. Journal of Knowledge Management, 2020.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Mercy Asaa Asiedu, Jesse Kwaku Doe. (2023). Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions. Education Journal, 12(1), 15-24. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Mercy Asaa Asiedu; Jesse Kwaku Doe. Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions. Educ. J. 2023, 12(1), 15-24. doi: 10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Mercy Asaa Asiedu, Jesse Kwaku Doe. Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions. Educ J. 2023;12(1):15-24. doi: 10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12,
  author = {Mercy Asaa Asiedu and Jesse Kwaku Doe},
  title = {Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions},
  journal = {Education Journal},
  volume = {12},
  number = {1},
  pages = {15-24},
  doi = {10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.edu.20231201.12},
  abstract = {This paper examines the role that Openness in Communication (OPCOM) plays in the acquisition and exploitation of new knowledge across faculties and departments of the higher education institution (HEI) community for Innovation Generation (INNG). Using the survey research design, data was collected from 282 lecturers purposively selected from the Business Schools of 20 HEIs in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. In testing the hypotheses proposed for the study, the data were analyzed using the Smart Partial Least Squares approach to structural equation modelling. The results revealed that OPCOM is important for the acquisition, sharing and transfer of knowledge in HEIs and has a mediation effect between knowledge acquisition and the generation of innovations. Even though the academic community is typically individualistic, mutual interest between academics can be stimulated if various platforms and open communication forums are established for the exchange and sharing of ideas, knowledge and opinions. HEIs need to invest resources and efforts at building strong relationships that facilitate collaboration, trust and interactions among varying faculties, departments and units. This will facilitate the easy sharing new knowledge to help innovate new products such as improved curricula, enhanced academic instruction and quality research output for the university to sustain their relevance and competitive advantage.},
 year = {2023}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions
AU  - Mercy Asaa Asiedu
AU  - Jesse Kwaku Doe
Y1  - 2023/01/30
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12
T2  - Education Journal
JF  - Education Journal
JO  - Education Journal
SP  - 15
EP  - 24
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2619
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12
AB  - This paper examines the role that Openness in Communication (OPCOM) plays in the acquisition and exploitation of new knowledge across faculties and departments of the higher education institution (HEI) community for Innovation Generation (INNG). Using the survey research design, data was collected from 282 lecturers purposively selected from the Business Schools of 20 HEIs in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. In testing the hypotheses proposed for the study, the data were analyzed using the Smart Partial Least Squares approach to structural equation modelling. The results revealed that OPCOM is important for the acquisition, sharing and transfer of knowledge in HEIs and has a mediation effect between knowledge acquisition and the generation of innovations. Even though the academic community is typically individualistic, mutual interest between academics can be stimulated if various platforms and open communication forums are established for the exchange and sharing of ideas, knowledge and opinions. HEIs need to invest resources and efforts at building strong relationships that facilitate collaboration, trust and interactions among varying faculties, departments and units. This will facilitate the easy sharing new knowledge to help innovate new products such as improved curricula, enhanced academic instruction and quality research output for the university to sustain their relevance and competitive advantage.
VL  - 12
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Mercy Asaa Asiedu

Department of Management, Graduate School of Management, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Jesse Kwaku Doe

College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Mercy Asaa Asiedu, Jesse Kwaku Doe. (2023). Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions. Education Journal, 12(1), 15-24. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Mercy Asaa Asiedu; Jesse Kwaku Doe. Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions. Educ. J. 2023, 12(1), 15-24. doi: 10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Mercy Asaa Asiedu, Jesse Kwaku Doe. Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions. Educ J. 2023;12(1):15-24. doi: 10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12,
  author = {Mercy Asaa Asiedu and Jesse Kwaku Doe},
  title = {Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions},
  journal = {Education Journal},
  volume = {12},
  number = {1},
  pages = {15-24},
  doi = {10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.edu.20231201.12},
  abstract = {This paper examines the role that Openness in Communication (OPCOM) plays in the acquisition and exploitation of new knowledge across faculties and departments of the higher education institution (HEI) community for Innovation Generation (INNG). Using the survey research design, data was collected from 282 lecturers purposively selected from the Business Schools of 20 HEIs in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. In testing the hypotheses proposed for the study, the data were analyzed using the Smart Partial Least Squares approach to structural equation modelling. The results revealed that OPCOM is important for the acquisition, sharing and transfer of knowledge in HEIs and has a mediation effect between knowledge acquisition and the generation of innovations. Even though the academic community is typically individualistic, mutual interest between academics can be stimulated if various platforms and open communication forums are established for the exchange and sharing of ideas, knowledge and opinions. HEIs need to invest resources and efforts at building strong relationships that facilitate collaboration, trust and interactions among varying faculties, departments and units. This will facilitate the easy sharing new knowledge to help innovate new products such as improved curricula, enhanced academic instruction and quality research output for the university to sustain their relevance and competitive advantage.},
 year = {2023}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Role of Openness in Communication in the Absorptive Capacity and Innovation Generation Link in Higher Education Institutions
AU  - Mercy Asaa Asiedu
AU  - Jesse Kwaku Doe
Y1  - 2023/01/30
PY  - 2023
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12
T2  - Education Journal
JF  - Education Journal
JO  - Education Journal
SP  - 15
EP  - 24
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2619
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.edu.20231201.12
AB  - This paper examines the role that Openness in Communication (OPCOM) plays in the acquisition and exploitation of new knowledge across faculties and departments of the higher education institution (HEI) community for Innovation Generation (INNG). Using the survey research design, data was collected from 282 lecturers purposively selected from the Business Schools of 20 HEIs in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. In testing the hypotheses proposed for the study, the data were analyzed using the Smart Partial Least Squares approach to structural equation modelling. The results revealed that OPCOM is important for the acquisition, sharing and transfer of knowledge in HEIs and has a mediation effect between knowledge acquisition and the generation of innovations. Even though the academic community is typically individualistic, mutual interest between academics can be stimulated if various platforms and open communication forums are established for the exchange and sharing of ideas, knowledge and opinions. HEIs need to invest resources and efforts at building strong relationships that facilitate collaboration, trust and interactions among varying faculties, departments and units. This will facilitate the easy sharing new knowledge to help innovate new products such as improved curricula, enhanced academic instruction and quality research output for the university to sustain their relevance and competitive advantage.
VL  - 12
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download