Roles for the corporate headquarters beyond basic types of competitive advantage

Abstract

In this paper, four ways are presented in which corporate headquarters of diversified, multinational corporations with a multidivisional structure can add value to divisions. These roles for the headquarters are the supporter, coordinator, intervenor, and financier. They are derived from both theory and a number of case studies of large Dutch firms. In this context, limitations are identified of Porter's basic types of competitive advantage and concepts of corporate strategy.

Citation

van Oijen, A.A.C.J. (1994), "Roles for the corporate headquarters beyond basic types of competitive advantage", Research in Global Strategic Management (Research in Global Strategic Management, Vol. 4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 181-198. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1064-4857(93)04011-Y