The impact of resource conditions and environmental uncertainty on inter-firm alliance strategies

Abstract

The resource dependence theory and the resource-based view have been put forward in order to explain inter-firm alliance strategies. According to these approaches, the main driver for alliance formation is the internal resource condition of the firm and the need to acquire external resources. We argue that resource motivation is moderated by perceived environmental uncertainty. First, we conceptualize how perceived environmental uncertainty and resource conditions independently affect the probability of firms to develop alliance strategies. Then, we analyse how the role of resource conditions is affected by environmental uncertainty. Finally, we test our point of view using a sample of Portuguese firms.

Notes

¹ For the purpose of this article, the expression ‘firm alliance strategies’ designates any cooperative arrangement between independent firms that involves a level of integration between pure market exchange and full internalization, with the establishment (or otherwise) of a separate legal entity and the involvement (or otherwise) of minority investments by at least one participant firm.

² See, for example, Bishop (2003), Gomes-Casseres (1997), Rothwell (1983), Moenaert et al . (1990), Steensma et al . (2000), Foster and Meinhard (2002), Baum and Oliver (1991), Stuart et al . (1999), Levitt and March (1988), Burgers et al . (1993) and Park et al . (2002).