Title: A taxonomy for industrial network strategies

Authors: Hilda M.S. Lai, Domenic Sculli

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 2859 2803, PR China. ' Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 2859 2803, PR China

Abstract: This paper investigates the structure of industrial network strategies in the current global manufacturing environment based on the empirical data from 87 manufacturing firms in the Pearl River Delta of Southern China. Hierarchical cluster analysis is employed to devise a taxonomy for industrial network strategies. Three distinct clusters were identified: Network Integrators, Network Learners and Network Conformists. Results indicate that the former two clusters, though differing in the extent of scale, adopt a holistic approach in developing both intra- and inter-firm strategies and that the third cluster can be described as a static in terms of the network strategies used.

Keywords: cluster analysis; industrial network strategies; inter-firm strategy; intra-firm strategy; taxonomy; industrial networks; global manufacturing; China; industry clusters.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIM.2009.025370

International Journal of Intercultural Information Management, 2009 Vol.1 No.3, pp.275 - 299

Published online: 19 May 2009 *

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