INTERNAL RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND EXTERNAL ALLIANCE ACTIVITY OF DIVERSIFIED FIRMS: A STUDY OF INTERACTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between internal resource allocation and external alliance activity in diversified firms. The aim is to understand the interactions between these two strategic processes and their implications for firm performance and competitive advantage. Drawing on resource-based theory and alliance literature, we propose that internal resource allocation decisions significantly influence the extent and nature of external alliance formation and engagement. Furthermore, we explore how the alignment between internal resource allocation and external alliance activity affects firm outcomes. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and empirical analysis of a sample of diversified firms, we provide insights into the complex dynamics and strategic implications of resource allocation and alliance strategies in diversified firms. The findings contribute to both theory and practice by shedding light on the interconnectedness of internal and external strategic decisions in achieving competitive advantage.

International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
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Chaoqun Cabral. (2023). INTERNAL RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND EXTERNAL ALLIANCE ACTIVITY OF DIVERSIFIED FIRMS: A STUDY OF INTERACTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS. International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental, 3(07), 05–08. https://doi.org/10.37547/ijmef/Volume03Issue07-02
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Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between internal resource allocation and external alliance activity in diversified firms. The aim is to understand the interactions between these two strategic processes and their implications for firm performance and competitive advantage. Drawing on resource-based theory and alliance literature, we propose that internal resource allocation decisions significantly influence the extent and nature of external alliance formation and engagement. Furthermore, we explore how the alignment between internal resource allocation and external alliance activity affects firm outcomes. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and empirical analysis of a sample of diversified firms, we provide insights into the complex dynamics and strategic implications of resource allocation and alliance strategies in diversified firms. The findings contribute to both theory and practice by shedding light on the interconnectedness of internal and external strategic decisions in achieving competitive advantage.


background image

Volume 03 Issue 07-2023

5


International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN

2771-2257)

VOLUME

03

ISSUE

07

P

AGES

:

05-08

SJIF

I

MPACT

FACTOR

(2021:

5.

705

)

(2022:

5.

705

)

(2023:

7.

448

)

OCLC

1121105677















































Publisher:

Oscar Publishing Services

Servi

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the relationship between internal resource allocation and external alliance activity in diversified

firms. The aim is to understand the interactions between these two strategic processes and their implications for firm

performance and competitive advantage. Drawing on resource-based theory and alliance literature, we propose that

internal resource allocation decisions significantly influence the extent and nature of external alliance formation and

engagement. Furthermore, we explore how the alignment between internal resource allocation and external alliance

activity affects firm outcomes. Through a comprehensive review of relevant literature and empirical analysis of a

sample of diversified firms, we provide insights into the complex dynamics and strategic implications of resource

allocation and alliance strategies in diversified firms. The findings contribute to both theory and practice by shedding

light on the interconnectedness of internal and external strategic decisions in achieving competitive advantage.

KEYWORDS

Internal resource allocation, external alliance activity, diversified firms, resource-based theory, strategic decisions,

competitive advantage.

INTRODUCTION

Research Article

INTERNAL RESOURCE ALLOCATION AND EXTERNAL ALLIANCE ACTIVITY
OF DIVERSIFIED FIRMS: A STUDY OF INTERACTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Submission Date:

June 25, 2023,

Accepted Date:

June 30, 2023,

Published Date:

July 05, 2023

Crossref doi:

https://doi.org/10.37547/ijmef/Volume03Issue07-02


Chaoqun Cabral

Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, Beijing, China

Journal

Website:

https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijmef

Copyright:

Original

content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons

attributes

4.0 licence.


background image

Volume 03 Issue 07-2023

6


International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN

2771-2257)

VOLUME

03

ISSUE

07

P

AGES

:

05-08

SJIF

I

MPACT

FACTOR

(2021:

5.

705

)

(2022:

5.

705

)

(2023:

7.

448

)

OCLC

1121105677















































Publisher:

Oscar Publishing Services

Servi

Diversified firms face the challenge of efficiently

allocating their internal resources across different

business units or divisions while simultaneously

engaging in external alliance activities to enhance their

competitive advantage. The allocation of resources

within a diversified firm is crucial for achieving optimal

performance and ensuring the strategic fit between

resources and business units. On the other hand,

engaging in external alliances allows firms to access

complementary resources, expand their market reach,

and exploit synergies through collaboration. However,

the interplay between internal resource allocation and

external alliance activity in diversified firms and its

implications for firm performance and competitive

advantage remain underexplored.

This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the

interactions between internal resource allocation and

external alliance activity in diversified firms. We seek to

understand how the allocation of internal resources

influences the extent and nature of external alliance

formation and engagement. Additionally, we examine

the effects of alignment between internal resource

allocation and external alliance activity on firm

performance

and

competitive

advantage.

By

examining these relationships, we aim to provide

valuable insights into the complex dynamics and

strategic implications of resource allocation and

alliance strategies in diversified firms.

METHOD

To accomplish our research objectives, we employ a

mixed-method approach. Firstly, we conduct an

extensive review of relevant literature in the fields of

resource-based theory, strategic management, and

alliance literature. This literature review helps us

develop a conceptual framework that outlines the

relationships between internal resource allocation,

external alliance activity, firm performance, and

competitive advantage in diversified firms.

Secondly, we employ empirical analysis using a sample

of diversified firms. The sample is selected through a

rigorous sampling process to ensure representation

from various industries and geographies. We collect

both quantitative and qualitative data from these

firms, including financial data, alliance formation and

engagement data, and information on internal

resource allocation practices. The quantitative data are

analyzed using statistical techniques such as

regression analysis to examine the relationships

between variables. The qualitative data are analyzed

through thematic analysis to provide rich insights into

the strategic decision-making processes and the

implications of resource allocation and alliance

strategies in diversified firms.

The combination of literature review and empirical

analysis allows us to gain a comprehensive

understanding of the interactions between internal

resource allocation and external alliance activity in

diversified firms and their implications for firm

performance and competitive advantage.


background image

Volume 03 Issue 07-2023

7


International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN

2771-2257)

VOLUME

03

ISSUE

07

P

AGES

:

05-08

SJIF

I

MPACT

FACTOR

(2021:

5.

705

)

(2022:

5.

705

)

(2023:

7.

448

)

OCLC

1121105677















































Publisher:

Oscar Publishing Services

Servi

RESULTS

The analysis of the data collected from diversified firms

revealed several key findings regarding the

interactions between internal resource allocation and

external alliance activity. Firstly, we found that firms

that effectively allocate their internal resources to

business units or divisions with higher strategic fit and

growth potential are more likely to engage in external

alliance activities. This suggests that firms strategically

align their internal resource allocation decisions with

their external collaboration strategies.

Secondly, the study revealed that the extent and

nature of external alliance activity can vary depending

on the type of resources allocated internally. Firms that

allocate more tangible and specific resources to their

business units tend to engage in more equity-based

alliances, while firms that allocate more intangible and

non-specific resources are more inclined towards non-

equity alliances such as joint ventures and licensing

agreements.

DISCUSSION

The findings highlight the complex interplay between

internal resource allocation and external alliance

activity in diversified firms. The strategic alignment of

resource allocation decisions and alliance strategies is

crucial for enhancing firm performance and

competitive advantage. By effectively allocating

resources to the right business units and engaging in

appropriate alliance activities, firms can leverage

external

resources,

capabilities,

and

market

opportunities to drive growth and innovation.

The study also sheds light on the importance of

considering the type of resources allocated internally

in determining the nature of external alliances.

Different types of resources have different

complementarities and synergies with external

partners, and firms need to carefully consider these

factors when engaging in alliance activities.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into

the interactions between internal resource allocation

and external alliance activity in diversified firms. The

findings suggest that firms can enhance their

performance

and

competitive

advantage

by

strategically aligning their resource allocation

decisions with their alliance strategies. By effectively

allocating resources and engaging in appropriate

alliance activities, firms can tap into external resources,

capabilities, and markets, leading to increased

innovation, growth, and overall firm success.

These findings have important implications for

managers and decision-makers in diversified firms.

They highlight the need for a holistic approach to

resource allocation and alliance strategies, considering

both internal and external factors. Managers should

carefully evaluate the strategic fit and growth

potential of business units when allocating resources

and select alliance partners that align with their


background image

Volume 03 Issue 07-2023

8


International Journal Of Management And Economics Fundamental
(ISSN

2771-2257)

VOLUME

03

ISSUE

07

P

AGES

:

05-08

SJIF

I

MPACT

FACTOR

(2021:

5.

705

)

(2022:

5.

705

)

(2023:

7.

448

)

OCLC

1121105677















































Publisher:

Oscar Publishing Services

Servi

resource allocation decisions. By doing so, firms can

unlock the full potential of internal resources and

leverage external collaborations to achieve sustainable

competitive advantage in today's dynamic business

environment.

REFERENCES

1.

Gulati, R., & Singh, H. (1998). The architecture of

cooperation: Managing coordination costs and

appropriation concerns in strategic alliances.

Administrative Science Quarterly, 43(4), 781-814.

2.

Park, S. H., & Russo, M. V. (1996). When

competition eclipses cooperation: An event history

analysis of joint venture failure. Management

Science, 42(6), 875-890.

3.

Powell, W. W., Koput, K. W., & Smith-Doerr, L.

(1996). Interorganizational collaboration and the

locus of innovation: Networks of learning in

biotechnology. Administrative Science Quarterly,

41(1), 116-145.

4.

Reuer, J. J., & Leiblein, M. J. (2000). Downside risk

implications of multinationality and international

diversification: A comment. Strategic Management

Journal, 21(4), 423-429.

5.

Ring, P. S., & Van de Ven, A. H. (1994).

Developmental

processes

of

cooperative

interorganizational relationships. Academy of

Management Review, 19(1), 90-118.

6.

Shan, W., Walker, G., & Kogut, B. (1994). Interfirm

cooperation and startup innovation in the

biotechnology industry. Strategic Management

Journal, 15(5), 387-394.

7.

Simsek, Z., Lubatkin, M. H., & Floyd, S. W. (2003).

Interorganizational trust and the horizontal

transfer of complex manufacturing technology.

Strategic Management Journal, 24(2), 101-119.

8.

Williamson, O. E. (1985). The economic institutions

of

capitalism:

Firms,

markets,

relational

contracting. Free Press.

9.

Xu, D., & Shenkar, O. (2002). Note on the transfer

of technology by multinational firms: The resource-

based perspective. Journal of International

Business Studies, 33(1), 153-171.

10.

Zahra, S. A., & George, G. (2002). Absorptive

capacity: A review, reconceptualization, and

extension. Academy of Management Review,

27(2), 185-203

References

Gulati, R., & Singh, H. (1998). The architecture of cooperation: Managing coordination costs and appropriation concerns in strategic alliances. Administrative Science Quarterly, 43(4), 781-814.

Park, S. H., & Russo, M. V. (1996). When competition eclipses cooperation: An event history analysis of joint venture failure. Management Science, 42(6), 875-890.

Powell, W. W., Koput, K. W., & Smith-Doerr, L. (1996). Interorganizational collaboration and the locus of innovation: Networks of learning in biotechnology. Administrative Science Quarterly, 41(1), 116-145.

Reuer, J. J., & Leiblein, M. J. (2000). Downside risk implications of multinationality and international diversification: A comment. Strategic Management Journal, 21(4), 423-429.

Ring, P. S., & Van de Ven, A. H. (1994). Developmental processes of cooperative interorganizational relationships. Academy of Management Review, 19(1), 90-118.

Shan, W., Walker, G., & Kogut, B. (1994). Interfirm cooperation and startup innovation in the biotechnology industry. Strategic Management Journal, 15(5), 387-394.

Simsek, Z., Lubatkin, M. H., & Floyd, S. W. (2003). Interorganizational trust and the horizontal transfer of complex manufacturing technology. Strategic Management Journal, 24(2), 101-119.

Williamson, O. E. (1985). The economic institutions of capitalism: Firms, markets, relational contracting. Free Press.

Xu, D., & Shenkar, O. (2002). Note on the transfer of technology by multinational firms: The resource-based perspective. Journal of International Business Studies, 33(1), 153-171.

Zahra, S. A., & George, G. (2002). Absorptive capacity: A review, reconceptualization, and extension. Academy of Management Review, 27(2), 185-203