Niu, Y; Li, H; Luo, X and Deng, X (2024) Coopetition configuration and performance of international joint ventures for high-speed rail projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 31(9), pp. 3748-3772. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Members in the international joint ventures (IJVs) for high-speed rail (HSR) projects usually engage in coopetition interactions to create common benefits (CB) and simultaneously safeguard private benefits (PB). Previous studies of coopetition and performance using variance-based methods usually ignore the combinational influence of diverse coopetition constructs on performance, which can be effectively compensated by adopting a configuration perspective. Therefore, this research aims to ascertain various combinations of three coopetition constructs (coopetition relationship, coopetition capability and coopetition strategy) that lead to high IJVs' performance through a configuration approach. Design/methodology/approach: First, the research framework of coopetition configuration was established, and the key constructs were operationalized, which were validated by expert interviews. Then the information on 12 HSR IJVs was collected and quantified through nine rounds of interviews and a questionnaire survey. Later, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was applied to explore what coopetition configurations benefit the CB or PB achievement. Findings: Configuration results indicate that six coopetition configurations lead to CB outcome and seven configurations lead to PB outcome. Based on the results, coopetition contexts are divided into four categories: firm-based coopetition, project-based coopetition, firm-project-based coopetition and none-based coopetition. Then, a selection scheme for coopetition strategies in various contexts has been developed. The results also show that the core conditions mostly appear in the coopetition relationships and coopetition strategies dimensions, and the optimal coopetition strategies vary in different contexts. Originality/value: This study enhances the theoretical understanding of coopetition in HSR IJVs and assists relative HSR industrialists, as well as the mega infrastructure project managers, in IJVs' implementation. The configuration perspective of this paper also contributes to a systemic and holistic view of coopetition in HSR IJVs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | coopetition configuration; coopetition strategy; high-speed rail; international joint ventures; qualitative comparative analysis; interview; questionaire survey |
| Index terms: | variance, joint venture, implementation, interaction, infrastructure project, dimension, strategy, qualitative comparative analysis, survey, manager, interview, railway construction, methodology, configuration, questionnaire |
| Subjects: | contractual arrangements, health monitoring assessment and metrics, practitioner, data collection methods, business, infrastructure and transport systems, behavioral psychology, systems engineering, measurement and scaling, management, research methods, civil engineering |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Procurement, Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Research Practice, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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