How serial acquirers learn : A study on how deliberate learning mechanisms are affected by absorptive capacity

Abstract

This paper presents the underlying elements that affect a serial acquirer’s deliberate learning mechanisms. In this thesis, we took an exploratory case study approach. A total of ten serial acquirers were interviewed about their acquisitions. We find that serial acquirer’s deliberate learning mechanisms (articulation, sharing, codification and internalization) are affected by their absorptive capacity, which comprises of the two elements motivation and ability. Moreover, we propose that serial acquirers’ level of motivation and ability matters differently for each of the deliberate learning mechanisms. Lastly, we suggest that internalization activities further strengthen the firms’ absorptive capacity. These findings combine the current research on organizational absorptive capacity and deliberate learning mechanisms and contribute to the serial acquisition literature.