Abstrakti
Momentum theory suggests that acquisition experience leads to acquisition momentum in the form of a higher likelihood of subsequent acquisitions of the same type. However, this argument has been challenged theoretically and empirically. We reconcile conflicting predictions and findings of prior research and extend momentum theory by incorporating activity load as a novel causal mechanism to both replicate the base finding and explain deviations from it. We find that a high activity load due to increased acquisition activity acts as a counterforce to momentum, decreasing the likelihood of subsequent acquisitions of the same type. Moreover, we also find that the interplay of routines, cognitive frames, and activity load causes companies to alternate between different types of acquisitions - from small to large and from large to small - as management engages in attention modulation to preserve momentum. Taken together, our arguments and findings contribute to an improved understanding of temporal patterns of acquisition behaviour.
| Alkuperäiskieli | Englanti |
|---|---|
| Sivut | 38-81 |
| Sivumäärä | 44 |
| Julkaisu | Journal of Management Studies |
| Vuosikerta | 60 |
| Numero | 1 |
| Varhainen verkossa julkaisun päivämäärä | 23 kesäk. 2022 |
| DOI - pysyväislinkit | |
| Tila | Julkaistu - tammik. 2023 |
| OKM-julkaisutyyppi | A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä |
Rahoitus
This paper has been a long time in the making. Over the years, we have received useful comments and feedback from too many people to mention them here individually. We would like to express our gratitude to all of them. We further would like to acknowledge the research assistance of Ryan G. Barnhart. All remaining errors are our own. Open access funding provided by Universitat Zurich.