Coopetition, strategy, and business performance in the era of digital transformation using a multi-method approach: Some research implications for strategy and operations management

Abstract

In the context of digital transformation and its profound implications for business performance, the concept of 'coopetition'—the strategic integration of cooperation and competition—has garnered significant scholarly attention. However, a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal factors driving successful coopetition and their direct influence on business performance remains elusive. This empirical study seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by constructing a hierarchical framework employing a modified Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (M-TISM) approach, further substantiated through rigorous validation via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and empirical case analysis. Employing a mixed-methods research design, data is systematically gathered from competitor organizations actively immersed in digital transformation initiatives. The M-TISM framework meticulously captures the intricate interplay and relationships among critical factors, thereby facilitating an exhaustive examination of their combined impact on coopetition outcomes and overall performance within the dynamic landscape of digital transformation. The study employs robust statistical analysis through PLS-SEM, ensuring the methodological integrity of the framework. This developed hierarchical framework, grounded in modified Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (M-TISM) and fortified through PLS-SEM validation and empirical case analyses, significantly contributes to the theoretical underpinnings of coopetition. Noteworthy drivers such as organizational culture, knowledge sharing, trust, resource complementarity, and competitive intensity come to the forefront. Furthermore, the study's empirical insights, derived from case analyses, equip practitioners with actionable guidance for strategically harnessing coopetition in the context of digital transformation. Policymakers, armed with these informed perspectives on the impact of coopetition, are better positioned to craft supportive frameworks that promote optimized performance outcomes within the ever-evolving digital landscape.