Abstract

REVUELTO-TABOADA, Lorenzo; SAORIN-IBORRA, M. Carmen  and  FERNANDEZ-GUERRERO, Rafael. Towards an Integrating Perspective on the Theory of Strategic Groups: Convergent Validity and Strength of the Definition of the Strategic Group. Innovar [online]. 2011, vol.21, n.40, pp.199-218. ISSN 0121-5051.

A review of the literature on strategic groups shows, in the first place, a significant diversity of perspectives of analysis, particularly with regard to the strategic positioning approach, as well as that of resources and capacities and cognitive psychology. In the second place, it demonstrates the existence of both alternative definitions of strategic group as well as concepts that are in a certain way concurrent (cognitive group, competitive group, competitive interaction group). Finally, it leads us to conclude that we still lack a sufficiently solid theoretical basis to be able to defend the concept of strategic group itself, along with its predictive value of the differences in results obtained by companies, or in their conducts. In that sense, this work reviews, systematizes and relates the different definitions of strategic group in an effort to integrate contributions from the three most relevant traditions mentioned above. To do so, we present a proposal for definitions of strategic group, with different degrees of strength, based on assumptions of convergence. Finally, the work tries to take a first step in defining the characteristics of industrial sectors that could affect the strength of the definition of strategic group, and from there, their stability and predictive value.

Keywords : positioning; strategic group; cognitive group; competitive group; convergent validity.

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