Thesis
Small firm strategic alliances : the UK hotel industry
- Creator
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 1995
- Thesis identifier
- T8601
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- The central objective of this thesis was to advance knowledge of the processes leading to the creation of small firm strategic alliance relationships, and the issues involved in their development and management. This has been recognised by the author as an underdeveloped area of research. Moreover, research analyses and evaluates the contribution of strategic alliances to the small firm operating within the sector in general and within the hotel industiy specifically. Literature research identified that strategic management through co-operative networks represented an appropriate business practice. Thus, empirical research activity focused on a specific form of partial network, that of a strategic alliance. A strategic alliance, Scotland's Commended Hotels and its member small hotel firms was selected as the subjects for empirical research. This strategic alliance is an example of small firms voluntarily co-operating, seeking to add to their competencies by combining marketing resources with those of their partners, in order to safeguard and improve their market and competitive position. This organisation was researched over a period of nine months using a multimethod approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques in a planned systematic manner. The significant contribution of the research has been to advance knowledge in respect to developing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics involved in the creation, development and management of relationships, within the context of small firms, linked into resource constrained strategic alliances. Specifically, findings emphasised the interrelationship of: management practices and procedures; member characteristics and behaviour; strategy and structure; and organisational learning. It is only when all these components interlock, in appropriate measures, that the strategic alliance will be durable and productive over time. Moreover, the foundation stone of this proposition is the relationship between management and members. It was concluded that the concept of small firm strategic alliances has the potential to provide support for the small firm, enhance performance, and enable the retention of independence of ownership. Moreover, it has the possibility to perform a nurturing, incubator role. However, it was emphasised that a strategic alliance should not be simplisticly regarded as a panacea for the resolution of the strategic imperatives facing small firms. It is unlikely that blind subscription to the concept, without due understanding of the operating logic, and evaluation of the degree of strategic fit, will achieve positive outcomes for the member, or the core organisation. Moreover, owner/managers must understand that it is only with time, commitment, energy, compromise and strategic awareness that mutual enhanced business performance outcomes will be achieved through strategic alliance relationships. The significant contribution of the research has been to advance knowledge in respect to developing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics involved in the creation, development and management of relationships, within the context of small firns, linked into resource constrained strategic alliances. Specifically, findings emphasised the int errelationship of: management practices and procedures; member characteristics and behaviour; strategy and structure; and organisational learning. It is only when all these components interlock, in appropriate measures, that the strategic alliance will be durable and productive over time. Moreover, the foundation stone of this proposition is the relationship between management and members. It was concluded that the concept of small firm strategic alliances has the potential to provide support for the small firm, enhance performance, and enable the retention of independence of ownership. Moreover, it has the possibility to perform a nurturing, incubator role. However, it was emphasised that a strategic alliance should not be simplisticly regarded as a anacea for the resolution of the strategic imperatives facing small firms. It is unlikely that blind subscription to the concept, without due understanding of the operating logic, and evaluation of the degree of strategic fit, will achieve positive outcomes for the member, or the core organisation. Moreover, owner/managers must understand that it is only with time, commitment, energy, compromise and strategic awareness that mutual enhanced business performance outcomes will be achieved through strategic alliance relationships.
- Resource Type
- DOI
- EThOS ID
- uk.bl.ethos.308682
- Date Created
- 1995
- Former identifier
- 495775
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