Competition, cooperation, and the search for economic rents: A syncretic model

In this article, the notion of syncretic rent-seeking behavior is proposed to explain how firms generate economic rents through competition and cooperation. Previously, competition and cooperation have been viewed largely as opposite ends of a single continuum. By conceptualizing competition and cooperation as distinct but interrelated dimensions, we develop a:four-cell typology of rent-seeking strategic behaviors. Propositions linking syncretic rent-seeking behavior, organizational competencies, and business performance are offered to guide future theory development and research efforts.