The evolution of resource‐advantage theory: Six events, six realizations, six contributions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a personal retrospective on six of the key events/experiences that influenced the development of the structure, foundational premises, and models of the resource‐advantage theory of competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a personal retrospective approach.

Findings

The paper finds that six key events influenced the development of resource‐advantage theory: B.J. “Bud” LaLonde emphasizes the works of Alderson; Rob Morgan suggests an article on the resource‐based theory of the firm; Roy Howell suggests a presentation on R‐A theory; Randy Sparks shows a “socialist calculation” article; Kim Boal suggests the Journal of Management Inquiry as a publication outlet; and Bob Phillips discusses his work on “firm effects vs industry effects”. The paper then relates each of the six events to the paths, routes, or procedures that are often proposed as (or reported to be) likely to lead to the development of theories.

Originality/value

By providing the evolutionary history of resource‐advantage theory, the paper provides implications for developing marketing theories.

Citation

Hunt, S.D. (2012), "The evolution of resource‐advantage theory: Six events, six realizations, six contributions", Journal of Historical Research in Marketing, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 7-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/17557501211195046