Community-focused strategies Articles uri icon

authors

  • FOSFURI, ANDREA
  • GIARRATANA, MARCO
  • ROCA I BATLLORI, ESTHER

publication date

  • August 2011

start page

  • 222

end page

  • 239

issue

  • 3

volume

  • 9

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1476-1270

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1741-315X

abstract

  • This article introduces the notion of community-focused strategies to refer to the set of actions, activities and policies that firms undertake to establish connections or relational links with one or more target communities of (potential) customers. Drawing on social identity theory and strategy research, this study begins with a proposed taxonomy of different community-focused strategies. Then it illustrates how such strategies contribute to the creation of competitive advantage and explores their boundary conditions. Finally, the authors offer implications for theory development and practice, as well as suggestions for further research.