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Thinking like a specialist or a generalist? Evidence from hidden champions in China

Author

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  • Linan Lei

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Xiaobo Wu

    (Zhejiang University)

Abstract

Hidden champions are companies whose market dominance belies their low profiles. Experts believe that “the single-minded specialist usually beats the generalist,” reflecting the importance of managerial cognition in hidden champions’ development. Given varying levels in firm growth of hidden champions, a two-phase multi-method approach was adopted. In the first phase, a longitudinal case is analyzed for exploring the effects of different cognitive structural attributes in the growth of hidden champion; in the second phase, this article presents a panel data analysis of Chinese hidden champions to identify the structural attributes of strategic schema for their growth and determine how the regional environment and industrial structure moderate these relations. This study complements the view only emphasizing the positive role of complex cognitive structure in organizational adaptation by exploring the role of centrality in developing ‘focus and depth’ strategy. Additionally, this study also highlights the adaptive view of managerial cognition given the various developing stages of firms and the external dynamic context, offering an expanded perspective in the literature on managerial cognition.

Suggested Citation

  • Linan Lei & Xiaobo Wu, 2022. "Thinking like a specialist or a generalist? Evidence from hidden champions in China," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 21(1), pages 25-57, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:abaman:v:21:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1057_s41291-020-00114-2
    DOI: 10.1057/s41291-020-00114-2
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