The link between the resource based theory and corporate politics

Hausarbeit , 2014 , 9 Seiten , Note: B

BWL - Unternehmensführung, Management, Organisation

The main focus of the resource based theory of a firm is the acquisition of sustainable
competitive advantage over other firms in the industry (Olalla, 1999). The uniqueness of a
firm’s resources is considered as the basis for the strategic competitive edge achieved by the
firm (Acedo, Barroso, and Galan, 2006). The concept of corporate politics also suggest that
individuals express political behaviour targeted at acquiring power or a competitive edge over
other individuals aimed at achieving personal or group interests within an organization
(Vigoda, 2000). Thus this study seeks to explore a possible linkage between the themes of the
resource based theory and the expression of political behaviours within a firm.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The concept of resources in an organization
• Resource based view as a theory
• Main assumptions of the theory
• Classification of resources
• The nature of corporate politics
• The link between corporate politics and resource based view
• Organizational factors that motivate political behaviour
• Pyramid-shaped organization structure
• Subjective standards of performance
• Environmental uncertainty and turbulence
• Emotional insecurity
• Manipulative tendencies

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This study aims to explore the potential connection between the resource-based theory of a firm and the manifestation of political behaviors within an organization. The authors delve into the definition of resources, the core principles of the resource-based theory, and the nature of corporate politics to draw parallels between these concepts.

• The acquisition and utilization of firm-specific resources for achieving sustainable competitive advantage
• The role of resource heterogeneity and immobility in securing competitive advantage
• The relationship between corporate politics and the pursuit of power within organizations
• The influence of organizational factors on the emergence of political behaviors
• The potential application of the resource-based theory to understand individual political behaviors within organizations

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This section introduces the study's primary focus, which is to investigate the connection between the resource-based theory and corporate politics. It highlights the core concepts of both theories, namely the acquisition of competitive advantage through unique resources and the pursuit of power within organizations.
• The concept of resources in an organization: This section explores different definitions of resources within organizations, emphasizing the role of firm-specific, difficult-to-imitate assets that contribute to competitive advantage. It integrates various perspectives from key authors in the field, including Barney, Amit, and Schoemaker, and Teece, Pisani, and Shuen.
• Resource based view as a theory: This section delves into the resource-based theory of the firm, highlighting its key themes and assumptions. It emphasizes the importance of inimitable resources for achieving sustainable competitive advantage, and discusses the theory's foundational philosophy of resource utilization for superior performance.
• Main assumptions of the theory: This section outlines the core assumptions of the resource-based theory, emphasizing the heterogeneity of resources available to firms within an industry. It also addresses the issue of resource immobility and its contribution to long-term resource distinctiveness and competitive advantage.
• Classification of resources: This section explores the classification of resources into tangible, intangible, and personnel-based categories. It presents insights from various authors, including Grant and Russo and Forts, on different resource types and their implications for competitive advantage.
• The nature of corporate politics: This section delves into the nature of corporate politics, focusing on the pursuit of power and influence within organizations. It examines the role of lobbying, group actions, and unconventional practices in influencing decisions and achieving personal or group goals.
• The link between corporate politics and resource based view: This section investigates the potential link between the resource-based theory and corporate politics. It argues that individuals within organizations utilize their unique resources, such as political acumen and reputation, to gain power and competitive advantage. This section also explores the role of intangible resources in driving individual political behaviors.
• Organizational factors that motivate political behaviour: This section examines various organizational factors that motivate political behaviors, such as pyramid-shaped organizational structures, subjective performance standards, environmental uncertainty, emotional insecurity, and manipulative tendencies.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This study focuses on the intersection of the resource-based theory, corporate politics, and individual behaviors within organizations. Key concepts explored include resource heterogeneity, immobility, competitive advantage, power acquisition, political acumen, reputation, and the influence of organizational structure and dynamics on individual political behaviors.

• Note: B
• Autoren: Maxwell Olokundun (Autor:in), Augusta Amaihian (Autor:in), Fred Inelo (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2014
• Seiten: 9
• Katalognummer: V286623
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656870937
• ISBN (Buch): 9783656870944
• Sprache: Englisch
• Produktsicherheit: GRIN Publishing GmbH