Redefining firm boundaries in the face of the Internet: Are firms really shrinking?

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Afuah, A
• 署名单位: University of Michigan System; University of Michigan
• 刊物名称: ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0363-7425
• 发表日期: 2003
• 页码: 34-53
• 关键词: COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE; vertical integration; strategy; governance; KNOWLEDGE; COSTS; capabilities; performance; competence; view

摘要

I present two models for exploring the impact of the emergence and diffusion of the internet on vertical and horizontal firm boundaries. I argue that the effect of the emergence and diffusion of the internet on a firm's boundaries is a function of the firm's determinants of costs, moderated by the information dependence and tacitness of the firm's value-adding activities and the organizational technology that underpins the firm's primary activities. Contrary to previous research, the models suggest that the emergence and diffusion of the internet should also expand some firm boundaries.