"Reflexive and Selective Competitive Behaviors—Inertia, Imitation, and " by Daniel Lanier Major, Patrick G. Maggitti et al.

Organization Management Journal

Article Title

Reflexive and Selective Competitive Behaviors—Inertia, Imitation, and Interfirm Rivalry

Authors

Daniel Lanier Major, Indiana University
Patrick G. Maggitti, Villanova University
Ken G. Smith, University of Rhode Island
Curtis M. Grimm, University of Maryland
Pamela J. Derfus, University of Maryland

Abstract

Competitive dynamics research has established the important impact that the level of firm competitive activity has on rival response and firm performance. Less understood, however, are inputs that influence firm activity, specifically, the extent to which firms reflexively repeat prior activity versus selectively taking actions. Drawing from the awareness–motivation–capability framework, we develop and test theory that firm decision makers are not only predisposed to behave reflexively, but are also influenced by contextual factors, suggesting cognitive selection. Utilizing a longitudinal sample of marketing activity of 58 firms and 2,164 firm–rival dyads in 11 industries, we find that firms undertake both reflexive and selective competitive processes. Positive effects of prior levels of activity are moderated by the firm’s own prior performance, as well as the rivals’ similarity and industry standing.

Recommended Citation

Major, Daniel Lanier; Maggitti, Patrick G.; Smith, Ken G.; Grimm, Curtis M.; and Derfus, Pamela J. (2016) "Reflexive and Selective Competitive Behaviors—Inertia, Imitation, and Interfirm Rivalry," Organization Management Journal: Vol. 13: Iss. 2, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarship.shu.edu/omj/vol13/iss2/3

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