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Complexity as a constraint on firm expansion within and across industries

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  • Thomas Hutzschenreuter

    (Department of Strategy, WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management, Vallendar, Germany)

  • Fabian Guenther

    (Department of Strategy, WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management, Vallendar, Germany)

Abstract

With this paper, we want to shed light on factors influencing a firm's rate of expansion. We argue that expansion is a complex task and complexity associated with expansion projects in one period can negatively impact rate of expansion in the following period. Moreover, we argue that firm portfolio complexity also slows down further expansion. Using longitudinal data on the expansion path of 91 German companies, we show that added product scope of expansion and degree of internationalization characterizing expansion in one period as well as level of product and international diversity have a significant impact on slowing down rate of expansion in the subsequent period. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Hutzschenreuter & Fabian Guenther, 2009. "Complexity as a constraint on firm expansion within and across industries," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(6), pages 373-392.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:mgtdec:v:30:y:2009:i:6:p:373-392
    DOI: 10.1002/mde.1459
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