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Administrative Heritage: An Exploratory Study of Large Australian Firms

Author

Listed:
  • Tatiana Zalan

    (Department of Management, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010.)

  • Geoffrey Lewis

    (Professorial Fellow, Melbourne Business School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010.)

Abstract

In this study we address the existing gap in the literature on the strategic evolution of Australian MNCs and the effect their administrative heritage, developed in the domestic market, had on their ability to compete internationally. We explore the administrative heritage of eleven large Australian-owned firms in four industries and conclude that these firms had a distinct administrative heritage—domestic portfolio mentality and reliance on strategic assets for competitive advantage, coupled with limited FDI traditions. We contend that the firms' administrative heritage explains in part their lack of success in international markets. Our findings support the propositions advanced by other scholars (e.g. Bartlett & Ghoshal 1989; Collis 1991) that a firm's administrative heritage establishes unique constraints on strategic choice.

Suggested Citation

  • Tatiana Zalan & Geoffrey Lewis, 2006. "Administrative Heritage: An Exploratory Study of Large Australian Firms," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 31(2), pages 293-311, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:31:y:2006:i:2:p:293-311
    DOI: 10.1177/031289620603100206
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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