Management of alliance post-formation dynamics: an integrated model

Abstract

PurposeBy reviewing the literature, this paper explores the current priorities and future directions of alliance post-formation dynamics research.Design/methodology/approachThis paper collects and analyzes empirical studies on alliance post-formation dynamics that were published between 1990 and 2021.FindingsCurrent research on alliance post-formation dynamics can be structured as antecedents and outcomes of dynamics and their moderating effects. Among these topics, antecedents of dynamics have been addressed in a large body of research encompassing diverse theoretical mechanisms and levels of analysis. However, there remain debates regarding the outcomes of alliances post-formation dynamics.Originality/valueFirst, this paper enriches the theoretical plurality of the field by integrating the antecedents and outcomes of dynamics and their moderating effects. Second, this paper proposes a new scholarly perspective – “alliance dynamic capabilities” – to address the “disruption vs adaption” debates regarding the outcomes of alliance post-formation dynamics in current research. Third, this paper presents several promising future research directions with the aim to advancing the literature on alliance post-formation dynamics.