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Knowing your boundaries: Integration opportunities in international professional service firms

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  • Breunig, Karl Joachim
  • Kvålshaugen, Ragnhild
  • Hydle, Katja Maria

Abstract

This study presents three different business models (continuous, repetitious, and unique) identified in international professional service firms that pursue a transnational strategy. These business models have varying opportunities for global integration. We extend the integration–responsiveness framework by offering a framework for analyzing how to balance global integration with local responsiveness when pursuing a transnational strategy. By identifying the content, structure, and governance transactions of the three business models, we can determine when to pursue headquarters-initiated global integration and when to choose strategies that ensure local responsiveness and subsidiary competitiveness in local markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Breunig, Karl Joachim & Kvålshaugen, Ragnhild & Hydle, Katja Maria, 2014. "Knowing your boundaries: Integration opportunities in international professional service firms," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 49(4), pages 502-511.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:49:y:2014:i:4:p:502-511
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2013.12.004
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