Title: Size-competitive strength matrix for classifying organisations

Authors: Juan Manuel Maqueira-Marin, Jose Moyano-Fuentes, Sebastian Bruque-Camara

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, Accounting and Sociology, University of Jaen, E.P.S. Linares, C/Alfonso X el Sabio, 28, 23700 Linares (Jaen), Spain. ' Department of Business Administration, Accounting and Sociology, University of Jaen, E.P.S. Linares, C/Alfonso X el Sabio, 28, 23700 Linares (Jaen), Spain. ' Department of Business Administration, Accounting and Sociology, University of Jaen, E.P.S. Linares, C/Alfonso X el Sabio, 28, 23700 Linares (Jaen), Spain

Abstract: According to organisational ecology theory, the competition between organisations is a key process that can help to explain the vital rates of organisational populations. In turn, it is possible to observe the intensity of the competition through the size differences between the members of a population. This paper reviews the models that have analysed the influence of competition on survival under this approach, emphasising the important role played by organisational size. This allows us to identify the main interrelations between size and competition, and consequently propose a new matrix to classify and characterise organisations in four groups on the basis of these two variables. In order for this matrix to be useful to managers and consultants, this paper designs a methodology for positioning organisations within the matrix. This methodology can be used to guide strategic decisions for the future.

Keywords: organisational ecology; strategic tools; size-competitive strength matrix; competitive intensity; survival; vital rates; competition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2009.027619

International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, 2009 Vol.3 No.4, pp.397 - 417

Published online: 04 Aug 2009 *

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