|
a Pr. Maria L. Nathan, PhD
CONVERGENCE, CONTEXT, CROSSVERGENCE :
contending perspectives on strategic management in asia vs. the west
ABSTRACT
In what ways are the strategic management practices within Asia and the West similar and different? In search of an answer to this question, researchers have given shape to three perspectives: (1) universal convergence suggests that for varied reasons there is general practice among Asian and Western firms; (2) contextualism focuses upon cross-national firm difference, and (3) crossvergence studies the synergistic effects of convergence and divergence upon Asian and Western firms. Research findings to date depict complex, countervailing forces operating both within and outside firms, nations, and across the globe. It is argued that rejection of any one perspective is not appropriate for various reasons and could deter progress toward a clearer understanding of difference, similarity, and hybridization between Asian and Western firms. Recommendations for future research are offered, including alternative frameworks for reconciling the three perspectives.
Keywords: strategic management; universal convergence; Asian strategic management; strategic crossvergence; contextualism; cross-national strategic management.
|
