Operationalizing the Competency Assessment of Organizational Absorptive Capacity: A Case of a Government Organization

Abstract

This study extends Senivongse's (2023) foundational work on organizational absorptive capacity (ACAP) competency profiling by operationalizing its theoretical insights into a pragmatic assessment framework. Grounded in knowledge management and organizational learning literature, the research develops an operational framework for competency profiling tailored to knowledge workers in organizations transitioning into learning-oriented entities. It synthesizes existing maturity models to propose a competency-based maturity framework, which informs the design of a dual-level questionnaire (managerial and operational) through a Delphi method involving experts in Thai public sector organizational development, human resources, and knowledge management. The methodology employs descriptive statistical analysis and visual analytics (e.g., radar charts, mean graphs) to evaluate competency alignment and gaps within a Thai government agency. Empirical testing reveals granular competency profiles across hierarchical tiers, identifying critical skill disparities and informing personalized development roadmaps for employees. Additionally, the assessment highlights organizational readiness for workforce mobilization and the strategic alignment of role assignments. By bridging theory and practice, this work advances actionable strategies for cultivating ACAP and fostering adaptive capacity in public sector institutions.