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A Competence-based Theory of the Firm

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  • Joerg Freiling

    (University of Bremen, SME Management, Start-up Business and Entrepreneurship at the School of Business Studies and Economics)

Abstract

The research question of the article is: Does the competence-based view, representing a theory of sustaining competitive advantage, offer simultaneously a comprehensive theory of the firm? In order to develop an answer, it appears to be necessary to elaborate the theoretical basis of the competence-based view by delimitating this perspective from the resource-based one. The scrutiny suggests that the competence-based view represents a theory of the firm with other answers than current theories of the firm in use. Moreover, not all the answers of the competence-based view as to the theory of the firm are convincing. Therefore, fundamental weaknesses and shortcomings, which can be dispelled, are pointed out.

Suggested Citation

  • Joerg Freiling, 2004. "A Competence-based Theory of the Firm," management revue - Socio-Economic Studies, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 15(1), pages 27-52.
    • Handle: RePEc:nms:mamere:1861-9908_mrev_2004_01_freiling
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    File URL: https://www.nomos-elibrary.de/10.5771/0935-9915-2004-1-27
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Competence-based view; resource-based view; theory of the firm; isolating mechanisms; open system view;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • J53 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Labor-Management Relations; Industrial Jurisprudence
    • M10 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - General

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