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The keiretsu in Asia: Implications for multilevel theories of competitive advantage

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  • Peng, Mike W.
  • Lee, Seung-Hyun
  • Tan, J. Justin

Abstract

Much of our understanding of competitive advantage draws upon the experience of Western firms. Massive Japanese investment in an effort to replicate keiretsu (interfirm) networks in Asia since the 1980s presents fertile grounds to shed new light on the sources of competitive advantage. Building on such an experience, this article develops a multilevel perspective focusing on how competitive advantage is preserved and strengthened for firms, networks, and nations involved. Its hallmark is careful attention to levels of analysis by (a) spelling out the attendant assumption of homogeneity among keiretsu member firms, (b) explaining the basis of such an assumption, (c) exploring alternative assumptions, and (d) drawing upon diverse subtopics within the strategy literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng, Mike W. & Lee, Seung-Hyun & Tan, J. Justin, 2001. "The keiretsu in Asia: Implications for multilevel theories of competitive advantage," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 7(4), pages 253-276.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intman:v:7:y:2001:i:4:p:253-276
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    Cited by:

    1. Brouthers, Lance Eliot & Gao, Yan & Napshin, Stuart, 2014. "Keiretsu centrality — profits and profit stability: A power dependence perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(12), pages 2603-2610.
    2. Xiaohua Yang & Yi Jiang & Rongping Kang & Yinbin Ke, 2009. "A comparative analysis of the internationalization of Chinese and Japanese firms," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 26(1), pages 141-162, March.
    3. Kano, Hirokazu & Iriyama, Akie, 2023. "Host country corruption and MNE location choice: The view of institutional pluralism," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(3).
    4. Mike Peng & Andrew Delios, 2006. "What determines the scope of the firm over time and around the world? An Asia Pacific perspective," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 385-405, December.
    5. Ekin Alakent & Seung‐Hyun Lee, 2010. "Do Institutionalized Traditions Matter During Crisis? Employee Downsizing in Korean Manufacturing Organizations," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(3), pages 509-532, May.
    6. Yuanqiong He & Zhilong Tian & Yun Chen, 2007. "Performance implications of nonmarket strategy in China," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 151-169, June.
    7. Tomeczek, Artur F., 2022. "The evolution of Japanese keiretsu networks: A review and text network analysis of their perceptions in economics," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
    8. Sandra Dow & Jean McGuire & Toru Yoshikawa, 2011. "Disaggregating the group effect: Vertical and horizontal keiretsu in changing economic times," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 28(2), pages 299-323, June.
    9. Chung, Chris Changwha & Beamish, Paul W., 2005. "Investment mode strategy and expatriate strategy during times of economic crisis," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 11(3), pages 331-355, September.
    10. Jean McGuire & Sandra Dow, 2009. "Japanese keiretsu: Past, present, future," Asia Pacific Journal of Management, Springer, vol. 26(2), pages 333-351, June.
    11. Pragya Bhawsar & Utpal Chattopadhyay, 2015. "Competitiveness: Review, Reflections and Directions," Global Business Review, International Management Institute, vol. 16(4), pages 665-679, August.
    12. Lee, Seung-Hyun & Peng, Mike W. & Song, Sangcheol, 2013. "Governments, entrepreneurs, and positive externalities: A real options perspective," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 31(4), pages 333-347.
    13. Nguyen Phuong Le & Luu Van Duy, 2021. "Effect of provincial competitiveness index on enterprise attraction in the Central Highlands, Vietnam," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(9), pages 1-16, September.

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    Keiretsu Asia Competitive advantage;

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