Conceptualizing Coopetition Strategy as Practice: A Multilevel Interpretative Framework

Abstract:

This study uses a strategy-as-practice approach to define coopetition strategy. Coopetition strategy forms, arguably, through the intersection of the organization’s internal and external value networks, giving rise to simultaneous cooperative and competitive activities of a more or less intended nature. Four scenarios encompassing propositions are put forth to explain how coopetition strategy as a deliberate and emergent activity is manifested in the organization. By approaching coopetition from the strategy-as-practice perspective, current conceptualizations of its deliberate and emergent nature are unified under a common framework. The practice approach advances existing understandings of coopetition by shedding light on strategic actors and their actions at multiple levels, the social embedding of the strategic activities, and the dynamic nature of the strategy.

Keywords::

• Inter-competitor cooperation
• coopetition
• deliberate strategy
• emergent strategy
• strategy-as-practice

Notes

Depending on the level of deliberateness and emergence, Mintzberg and Waters (1985, 270) put forth, in addition to a purely deliberate and emergent strategy, six types of strategies. In explaining the simultaneous existence of a deliberate and emergent nature it remains, however, beyond the scope of the upcoming discussion to analyze and distinguish the degree of deliberateness and emergence.

The studies in Figure 2 have been selected as they provide theoretical and/or empirical insights into coopetitive strategic activities. The categorization of the studies seeks to explore the support for the assumptions underlying the four scenarios and to exemplify these scenarios. It is, however, beyond the scope of this categorization to provide an in-depth review of each study and the study’s potential applicability to several scenarios. It is also beyond the scope of this categorization to provide a review of the coopetition strategy literature as a whole.