5. Discussion
In this study, we sought to advance our understanding of absorptive capacity in knowledge domains other than technological solutions, specifically in the need knowledge domain, and to analyze its principal antecedents and consequences for innovation. Using a large sample of employees in a white goods firm, we tested and confirmed several hypotheses: Employees with more prior need knowledge and more solution knowledge had higher need absorptive capacity. Thus, need absorptive capacity is rooted in both intra-domain and extra-domain knowledge. We do not find a symmetric effect in the case of solution absorptive capacity: solution knowledge is positively related to solution absorptive capacity, while need knowledge has a negative direct effect on solution absorptive capacity. Finally, we found that both need absorptive capacity and solution absorptive capacity are associated with higher innovativeness of employees.
