In search of virtuous learning circles: absorptive capacity and its antecedents in the education sector

Regina Lenart-Gansiniec,Massimiliano Matteo Pellegrini,Wojciech Czakon

doi:10.1108/jkm-04-2021-0310

Regina Lenart-Gansiniec, Massimiliano Matteo Pellegrini + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1108/jkm-04-2021-0310

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Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to identify context-specific antecedents to schools’ absorptive capacity (AC) and to show how those can enact “a virtuous learning circle.”Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a mixed method: an exploration based on semi-structured interviews with educational experts; the development of a measurement scale and a partial least squares structural equation modelling to test the impact of the antecedents.FindingsThe results yielded four empirically-grounded antecedents and their measurement scales, namely, prior knowledge, employees’ skills, educational projects and interactions with the environment (Studies one and two). All antecedents are significantly and positively related to AC processes (study three). Using the organizational learning theory perspective, the results have been interpreted as an AC “virtuous learning circle.”Practical implicationsWith increasing pressures to adapt, a case of which was the COVID-19 pandemic, schools can greatly benefit from absorbing knowledge flows. This suggests the construction a favourable environment for AC. To this end, the individual (employees’ prior knowledge and skills), organizational (educational projects) and institutional level of managerial action (interactions with the environment) can be effective when create a recursive organizational learning circle. In addition, this study offers an expert-validated measurement scale for self-assessment of a school’s specific contingencies, and thus, for planning of punctual interventions to develop AC.Originality/valueThis study advances the existing body of knowledge management in the educational context by rigorously identifying and validating a scale for measuring the antecedents of AC and developing an interpretive approach to the AC “virtuous circle.”

Highlights

Like any other organization, modern schools are challenged by pressures on efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness (Schleicher, 2015), and concentrating on knowledge management becomes paramount as it is one of the dominant sources of competitive advantage (Harris and Jones, 2018; Stoll and Kools, 2017)
Our research model postulates that: H1: Prior knowledge is positively related to School absorptive capacity (AC); H2: Employees’ skills are positively related to School AC; H3: Educational projects are positively related to School AC; H4: Interactions with the environment are positively related to School AC
AC antecedents are positively correlated to AC, in its overall conceptualization and in its dimensions/processes (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Modern schools are challenged by pressures on efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness (Schleicher, 2015), and concentrating on knowledge management becomes paramount as it is one of the dominant sources of competitive advantage (Harris and Jones, 2018; Stoll and Kools, 2017). The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) encourages schools to acquire and use knowledge to deal with changing environments. This facilitates and sustains organizational changes and innovations (Kools et al, 2020; Roberts et al, 2012; Zuckerman et al, 2018), better identify and satisfy students’ and stakeholders needs (Da’as and Qadach, 2018), activate learning loops (Harris and Jones, 2018) and improve performance (Berson et al, 2015). Massimiliano Matteo Pellegrini is based at the Department of Management and Law, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy

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