Institutional logics and competitive advantage. The case of football academies in England

Abstract

This thesis highlights the significance of institutional logics and specific elements of logics for competitive parity, competitive advantage and positioning. It states that specific elements of institutional logics enhance isomorphism within organisational fields, but also contribute to competitive parity, while others enhance heterogeneity within organisational fields and facilitate differentiation and competitive advantage. Organisational commitments to these elements locate organisations in field level positions with distinct strategic characteristics. The thesis employs the field of professional football academies as the context within which multiple institutional logics are in play. Through a historical analysis of the evolution of the organisational field, six institutional logics are identified, and their content is described. Subsequently, through a thematic analysis of first-hand and secondary data regarding five football academies with distinct characteristics, logics and elements of logics which have a significance for competitive parity, competitive advantage and positioning within the field are specified. It is suggested that organisations commit to specific elements of institutional logics in their attempt to gain competitive parity and competitive advantage. The thesis also highlights the significance of commitments to institutional logics for positioning within a field. The thesis makes unique contributions to the institutional theory as well as to the resource-based theory. It highlights the significance of commitments to logics for strategic positioning within a field. It indicates the significance of logics for a more inclusive definition of competitive advantage. It identifies the significance of specific elements of institutional logics, for competitive parity and competitive advantage. The thesis provides an unprecedented conceptualisation of the interrelationship amongst institutional theory and the resource-based view.

Date of Award	May 2020
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University
Supervisor	Benoit Senaux (Supervisor)