Gatekeepers' innovative use of IT: An absorptive capacity model at the unit level

This paper examines the potential role of gatekeepers' innovative use of information technology (IT) in organizational units and its ability antecedents. Using absorptive capacity theory as our theoretical lens, we theorize a model of innovative use of IT at the unit level. The proposed model was empirically validated using a survey of 204 unit gatekeepers. This paper develops a preliminary model of innovative use of IT that can inform and guide future research, specifically focusing on the key role of gatekeepers and the abilities needed by users in this role that can help in using IT in an innovative manner.