THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Abstract

This chapter provides the dissertation’s theoretical background and gives an overview of important theories in the field of strategic management, namely, the market-based view (MBV), the resource-based view (RBV), and the dynamic capabilities view (DCV). Since a researcher’s point of view is bound to influence the subject of interest and the interpretation of empirical findings, this chapter contrasts these different perspectives and makes explicit the view I have espoused in this project. I subsequently define the terminology used in the course of this dissertation and give an overview of the environment of the firm. This chapter thereby serves as a general framework for the discussions and analyses to follow.