ABSTRACT

This book explores a new theory of the firm produced through an exchange between management theory and economics. In the process economics is seen to provide a foundational element for strategy research whilst developing a more realistic theory of the firm with a greater emphasis on its internal features. The success of competence theories of the firm also reflects their ability to explain significant trends in the business world, notably the declining importance of conglomerates and critical features in the success of Asian and Japanese business.

chapter 1|12 pages

Introduction

The emerging competence perspective

chapter 2|25 pages

The Competence Perspective

A historical view

chapter 7|22 pages

Analysing the Technology Base of the Firm

A multi-dimensional resource and competence perspective

chapter 8|17 pages

Studies of Key Factors of Product-Development Success

A resource-based critique and reinterpretation