Title: The impact of integration strategy on organisational innovation and growth in the global automotive industry

Authors: Liang-Hung Lin

Addresses: Department of International Business, National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, 415 Chien Kung Road, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan, ROC

Abstract: The aim of horizontal integration strategies, which often require a mix of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As), and strategic alliances is ultimately to maximise corporate long-term profits. In recent times, the global automotive industry has developed the use of M&As and alliances far more intensively. Another trend allied to this is the development and adoption of new technologies. This investigation will provide an overview of the major automakers| technological and strategic trends and will examine the impact of integration strategy on organisational innovation and growth. Longitudinal data were collected over the 2002 to 2006 period. Regression analyses revealed that horizontal M&As were negatively related to both innovation and growth. Strategic alliances were negatively related to innovation, but positively related to growth. Furthermore, Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) analyses indicated that M&As in the auto industry also increased the degree of industrial consolidation in the global market.

Keywords: mergers and acquisitions; automotive M&As; strategic alliances; technological innovation; organisational growth; automobile industry; integration strategy; organisational innovation; global markets.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2009.023586

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2009 Vol.9 No.1, pp.54 - 68

Published online: 02 Mar 2009 *

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