Abstract
This research examines the dyadic dynamics of positioning (i.e., determining where to locate relative to rivals) of services by consulting firms. Positioning near to or far from competitors offers both advantages and disadvantages in terms of competition, legitimacy, uncertainty, and spillovers, with recent research suggesting that firms seek balance between these various forces. Using a sample of service mark filings by consulting firms, I examine the effects of similarity, age, size, and prospective services on service positioning. Results indicate that positioning is both dyadic and multidimensional in nature, with firms maximizing the advantages of positioning either near or far, while minimizing the disadvantages.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 169-187 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Strategic Management Journal |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Competitive positioning
- Man-agement consulting firms
- Service marks
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Business and International Management
- Strategy and Management