Technological level in the relationship between absorptive capacity and response capacity in manufacturing companies

Abstract Purpose: This research analyzed the influence of the acquisition, assimilation, and exploitation of knowledge on the organizational response capacity, given the moderation of the technological level in Mexican manufacturing companies. Originality/value: A conceptual contribution of response capacity as an understanding of organizational agility is fundamentally necessary for organizations facing changing conditions to use new knowledge to achieve the objectives of the organization, employees, and shareholders. An empirical contribution from the absorptive capacity to make companies respond with innovations to environmental changes and help them develop their absorptive capacity so the opportunities and restrictions in their technological level within a company can be seen. Design/methodology/approach: The quantitative study was conducted through a survey with a sample of 102 manufacturing companies that promoted some innovation activity in the State of Mexico, Mexico. The data were analyzed using a hierarchical regression model. Findings: The results showed that the technological level only moderated the relationship between the assimilation of knowledge and organizational response capacity. Also, this study contributed empirically by showing that companies have the same opportunity to improve their absorptive capacity and respond to changes in the environment regardless of their technological level.