Murtada T. S. The Role of Knowledge Absorption in Addressing Strategic Short-Sightedness: The Mediating Role of Green Intellectual Capital

Abstract

This study investigates the interrelationships among Knowledge Absorption (KA), Strategic Short-sightedness (SS), and the mediating role of Green Intellectual Capital (GIC) within a public sector context. Specifically, it examines how Internal and External Absorption of knowledge influence Temporal and Spatial Short-sightedness through the development of Green Human, Structural, and Relational Capital. Despite the recognized importance of cognitive processes (KA) in mitigating organizational inertia (SS), the mechanism by which environmental sustainability capital (GIC) facilitates this relationship remains underdeveloped in the literature. To address this gap, a quantitative approach was employed. Data were collected via a questionnaire from a sample of 109 employees at the General Directorate of the Municipality of Maysan, achieving a response rate of 90.83%. The structural equation modeling results confirmed a significant positive correlation and a direct effect of Knowledge Absorption on mitigating Strategic Short-sightedness. More importantly, the findings established that Green Intellectual Capital plays a statistically significant mediating role in this relationship. The study concludes that the deliberate cultivation of green-focused knowledge capabilities acts as a vital strategic asset, enabling the directorate to better foresee and proactively address strategic short-sightedness, thereby improving long-term environmental and operational planning.