A resource-based view of the firm : a path dependency investigation into the sources of sustainable competitive advantage : an empirical study of the University of Rhodesia, 1945-1980
Doctoral Thesis
2011
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University of Cape Town
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This study examined the development of the University of Rhodesia (UR) and identified a pattern that developed in a path dependent way. Path dependency captures the notion that choices, that are made when an institution is being formed, tend to have a continuing and lasting influence on the institution far into the future. It is the tendency for a step in one direction to encourage the next step to be in a similar direction, thus keeping the development of an organisation in the same path. Studies have criticised the resource-based view of the firm (RBV) and path dependency concepts as being under-theorised and under-served empirically. This study examined and clarified factors that were crucial in the emergence of UR, and helped to perpetuate its dominance over time.
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Mutowo, M. 2011. A resource-based view of the firm : a path dependency investigation into the sources of sustainable competitive advantage : an empirical study of the University of Rhodesia, 1945-1980. University of Cape Town.