Antecedents of servitization strategies in manufacturing firms and servitization’s impact on firm performance: a theoretical and empirical analysis

Abou-Foul, Mohamad (2018) Antecedents of servitization strategies in manufacturing firms and servitization’s impact on firm performance: a theoretical and empirical analysis. Doctoral thesis, University of West London.

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Abstract

Manufacturing firms have vigorously pursued opportunities for profitability and growth through service-led growth strategies. A major part of the existing literature has focused on such strategies and has shown that this phenomenon is prevalent and growing in most developed economies. However, very little systematic evidence regarding the extent or consequences of servitization, based on comprehensive survey research, yet exists. Furthermore, the current body of research presents contradictory findings regarding the impact of servitization on firm performance. Drawing on the theoretical framework of the resource-based view, this research seeks to shed some light on this question by exploring the effect of servitization on firm performance. Through a survey of 185 U.S. and European manufacturing firms, along with the use of secondary financial data, this thesis provides empirical evidence that servitization has a direct, positive effect on firm performance. The study also finds that for the vast majority of manufacturers, the development of learning capabilities has served as a significant driver of servitization. Furthermore, the relationship between servitization and firm performance is moderated by industry dynamism. The original contribution of this research to the field of knowledge is twofold, including a theoretical contribution through the validation of the theoretical model and its implications for the literature, and a pragmatic contribution through the managerial implications of the findings. The findings have significant managerial implications because achieving superior bottom-line results is contingent upon the integration of those learning-and service-specific capabilities that transform the nature of an offering. Such integration enables the manufacturing firm and its customers to achieve radically improved operation within their ecosystems.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects: Business and finance > Business and management
Depositing User: Kevin Sanders
Date Deposited: 15 Oct 2018 09:08
Last Modified: 28 Aug 2021 07:26
URI: https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/5497

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