Standardization Management and Decision‐Making

Abstract

This research examines the strategic stances of uniqueness vs. the use of common standards and sharing the outcomes of internal corporate standardization. It analyzes the standardization management in a large Swedish automotive manufacturer, exploring the standards-related decision-making within the company and focusing the strategic motives and effects. Particular attention is paid tohow internal corporate standardization as well as participation in external standardization are utilized to enhance a firm’s competitiveness. The findings primarily contribute to strategy and management research and practice, as well as to a more focused framework of strategic and competitive thinking in relation to the use of common standards and both internal and external standardization. (Less)