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Contribution Details

Type Journal Article
Scope Discipline-based scholarship
Title Temporal Dynamics in Acquisition Behavior: The Effects of Activity Load on Strategic Momentum
Organization Unit
Authors
  • Thomas Keil
  • Yuval Deutsch
  • Tomi Laamanen
  • Markku Maula
Item Subtype Original Work
Refereed Yes
Status Published in final form
Language
  • English
Journal Title Journal of Management Studies
Publisher Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc.
Geographical Reach international
ISSN 0022-2380
Volume 60
Number 1
Page Range 38 - 81
Date 2023
Abstract Text 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.
Free access at DOI
Digital Object Identifier 10.1111/joms.12849
Other Identification Number merlin-id:23493
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Additional Information CC BY 4.0