The moderating role of relational learning on the PACAP–RACAP link. A study in the Spanish automotive components manufacturing sector

Starting from the construct absorptive capacity (ACAP), this paper adopts Zahra and George (2002) conceptualization of absorptive capacity, which considers it as two subsets – potential absorptive capacity (PACAP) and realized absorptive capacity (RACAP). Hence we have hypothesized a positive relationship between PACAP and RACAP. We also hypothesized a positive relationship between relational learning (RL) and RACAP. Finally we have assessed the moderating role of RL in the PACAP–RACAP link. Data were collected from a sample of 110 firms belonging to the Spanish automotive components manufacturing sector. Results from a variance-based structural equation-modeling tool show that RL moderates (reinforces) the influence of PACAP on RACAP. In addition this paper provides evidence about the important role that RL plays as antecedent of RACAP.