Validation of a model for measuring absorptive capacity in HEIs

The search for external knowledge and its insertion into the internal environment of organisations is a determining factor for their performance and competitiveness. This phenomenon is called absorptive capacity (AC), which allows organisations to adapt to changes in the environment. The aim of this study was to validate an instrument for measuring AC in the context of HEIs, using the views of Information Technology managers. The method used was a bibliometric survey, followed by a quantitative survey. The data collection used was of the survey type; it was classified as descriptive and, as it was an analysis involving numerous variables, the measurement instrument was validated using a confirmatory factor analysis. Low correlations were found in the variables relating to communication mechanisms, routines and triggers for activating the search for external knowledge. The positive point found was proactivity, showing that HEIs are proactive and do not wait for change to occur before adapting later, in the view of IT managers.