The entrepreneurial M-form, strategic integration in global media firms

被引:43
作者
Eisenmann, TR [1 ]
Bower, JL [1 ]
机构
[1] Harvard Univ, Grad Sch Business Adm, Boston, MA 02163 USA
关键词
strategic management; M-form corporations; related diversification; media and entertainment industries;
D O I
10.1287/orsc.11.3.348.12501
中图分类号
C93 [管理学];
学科分类号
12 ; 1201 ; 1202 ; 120202 ;
摘要
Many researchers believe that bounded rationality prevents CEOs in large, complex, multidivisional ("M-form'') corporations from personally formulating division-level strategies. Instead, CEOs are seen as guiding a "bottom-up" process whereby division managers propose strategies for review and approval by the corporate office. Contrary to this view, we argue that CEOs in global media firms frequently drive strategy in a "top-down" manner, especially when their firms seek to expand by integrating the activities of two or more existing divisions. We refer to such firms as "Entrepreneurial M-forms." and maintain that their reliance on an activist CEO offers benefits: (1) in turbulent environments, when the use of slow, bottom-up planning processes risks forfeiting first-mover advantages; and (2) when expansion entails major capital commitments, and division managers may be reluctant to accept the career risks associated with sponsorship of "bet-the-company'' projects.
引用
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页码:348 / 355
页数:8
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