Abstract

Entrepreneurs play a focal role in a society's economic recovery from major disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue that entrepreneurs' ability to identify and act on entrepreneurial opportunities during the crisis reflects their resilience, and their innovations facilitate new patterns of work, learning, and leisure activities in post-COVID-19 societies. However, how, how quickly they act, and how influential their actions are depends on their context in terms of institutions, resource access, and market volatility. In China, some entrepreneurs have shown great resilience by utilizing network relationships and digital technology, not only to overcome short-term disruptions in 2020 but to shape the evolving 'new normal' where behaviors and capabilities have changed as a consequence of the experience of the pandemic. We discuss drivers of such resilient entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic in China and call for further research on the interplay between external disruptions, different types of entrepreneurship, and the consequences for resilience in emerging economies.

Keyword

Abstract

This paper offers preliminary ideas on egocentric network dynamics associated with a new venture partnering with a large ecosystem hub firm. Such a perspective is appropriate since achieving value creation through active partnering requires building and strengthening ties over time across the hub firm's ecosystem.

Keyword

Co-creation ;  Ecosystem ;  Innovation ;  Network oscillation ;  New venture

Abstract

We provide an integrative account of how springboarding emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs) traverse the distinct contexts of their home and host markets by synthesizing the composition-based view with the Springboard Perspective to offer a novel, holistic, and dynamic Compositional Springboarding Perspective of EMNE evolution. We argue that EMNE internationalization entails a meta-duality between a compositional logic (home market) and springboarding logic (host market), and that the capabilities associated with springboarding - amalgamation, ambidexterity, and adaptability - help balance these two logics' interplay and integration. We elaborate on the differential roles that these capabilities play across the upward spiral's five stages (the process of EMNE evolution), which have differing emphases in terms of these logics.

Keyword

ambidexterity; composition-based view ;  emerging economies ;  emerging market multi-nationals ;  emerging markets ;  internationalization ;  organization learning ;  springboard perspective ;  unlearning

Abstract

Partnering with startups is an important way by which large multinational corporations (MNCs) pursue open innovation. This article sheds light on distinctive startup partnering strategies across multiple locations. These vary in terms of institutional strength (advanced vs. emerging markets) and local reputation in a given sector (cluster vs. non-cluster). Different partnering strategies are appropriate for each location type: a template-based or purpose-built approach (in clusters vs. non-clusters, respectively), and a facilitative or directive approach (in advanced vs. emerging markets, respectively).

Keyword

partnerships ;  startup ;  global collaboration ;  multinational corporations ;  innovation ;  open innovation ;  emerging markets

Abstract

Keyword

Abstract

This case describes the process of entering the Chinese market by Capillary Technologies, an Indian software company that provides cloud-based omnichannel customer engagement and related services for retailers and brands. Capillary represents a high level of ambition: in a country that was well known for software service companies (based primarily on labor cost advantages), it was founded as a business-to-business (B2B) software product company (thus one developing intellectual property). After entering several Western markets, which was consistent with the venture's lofty aspirations, the venture's leadership came to the view that the firm was better placed to pursue Asian markets. The new venture relocated its headquarters from India to Singapore, and made strong efforts to gain revenue in the Asia region — including the large but intensely competitive Chinese market. The case describes how, under the leadership of its China General Manager based in Shanghai, Capillary Technologies started off by working with Western multinationals that were its customers in other markets, then began attracting local customers as it established a Chinese technology team to cater to the unique technological ecosystems prevalent in China. Over a three-year period, Capillary achieved 200% growth per annum. The case concludes by noting the opening of a new office in Guangzhou as Capillary seeks to further deepen its presence in the Chinese market.

Keyword

Chinese market ;  Customer Relationship Management System ;  indian startup ;  learning orientation ;  Localization

Abstract

Should innovation come from within the company or from without? The answer is both.

Keyword

Collaboration ;  Employees ;  Empowerment ;  Entrepreneurs ;  Innovations ;  Intrapreneurs ;  Partnering ;  Startups

Abstract

Despite their prevalence and significance, competitive wars have received limited attention from the strategy literature. Our knowledge of how inter-organizational linkages influence competitive wars is particularly lacking. Drawing on the social embeddedness perspective, we argue that both direct linkages (i.e., strategic alliances) and indirect linkages (i.e., common ownership ties and common analyst ties) reduce the likelihood of war, thereby functioning as the glue that binds firms together. Yet once competitive wars are launched in related markets, indirect linkages through common third parties may continuously function as glue, reducing the likelihood of war spillover, whereas direct linkages, such as strategic alliances, may facilitate the spillover of competitive wars, akin to adding gasoline to a fire. Using data from the U.S. domestic airline industry between 1991 and 2010, our empirical evidence offers strong support for our predictions.

Keyword

Competitive Strategy ;  Competitive dynamics ;  Topic Areas ;  Strategic Management

Abstract

Although international business scholars have begun to recognize the division of entrepreneurial labor between MNEs and SMEs, there is a fragmented understanding of the different forms MNE–SME cooperation can take. We develop a typology that takes into account not only complementarity of capabilities but also, crucially, the compatibility of intent between MNEs (exploration vs. exploitation) and SMEs (international vs. domestic orientation). The framework offers a novel way to understand the forms and dynamics of MNE–SME cooperation. We also show how it can be applied more broadly, by considering its application to societal challenges, such as achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Keyword

global innovation ;  global value chain ;  interorganizational relationships ;  MNE-SME cooperation ;  SME internationalization ;  Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to answer two unique related questions on the overarching relationship between a CEO's personal religious affiliation, the firm's advertising spending decision and its shareholder value. First, does the CEO's religious affiliation, a proxy for risk taking, influence the firm's advertising spending decision? Second, does the advertising spending decision mediate the relationship between the CEO's religious affiliation and the firm's shareholder value? Design/methodology/approach This study uses data on the religious affiliations of CEOs of publicly listed US firms, 1992-2014, from Marquis Who's Who; advertising spending and shareholder value from Compustat, and panel data-based regression models including CEO characteristics from ExecuComp, and firm-, industry- and time-based controls. Findings We find higher advertising spending levels for Protestant over Catholic-led firms, and advertising spending mediates the relationship between a CEO's religious affiliation and the firm's shareholder value. Research limitations/implications Marketing theory needs to incorporate the missing but fundamental effect of the CEO's religious affiliation-based values on decisions and outcomes. Practical implications Boards of Directors may need to align the CEO's and their firm's spending goals. Originality/value While previous studies focused on the influence of religious affiliation on consumers' attitudes and behavior, and executives' financial and R&D spending decisions, this study, to the best of the authors' knowledge, is the first to investigate the effect of a CEO's religious affiliation on the firm's advertising spending decision and its shareholder value.

Keyword

Advertising spending ;  CEO religion ;  Risk taking ;  Shareholder value