HCBE Faculty Articles

Market Performance Implications of Modularization: Evidence from Global Auto Firms Operating in China

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

International Business Review

ISSN

1873-6149

Publication Date

8-2018

Abstract/Excerpt

Auto firms play an increasingly important role in national economies. However, their internationalization strategies, especially the trend towards modularization has been underexplored in the international business literature. Drawing on the resource based theory, we develop hypotheses on the link between modularization and market performance. Analyzing a sample of 262 auto parts suppliers in China, the study shows the positive influence of modularization on firm performance and the moderating role of knowledge sharing tools and physical proximity in this relationship. In addition, these relationships are channeled by firms’ strategic actions to maintain superior business performance against competitors (firm positional advantage).

DOI

10.1016/j.ibusrev.2018.01.008

Volume

27

Issue

4

First Page

852

Last Page

866

Peer Reviewed

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