Full metadata record
DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorDepartment of Managementen_US
dc.creatorLaw, Ka-hung Rudy-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/1295-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic University-
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleA survey of Hong Kong software industry : in search of a competitive strategy for the small & medium size software firmsen_US
dcterms.abstractThis research tests the impact of product differentiation, product innovation, national innovation policy, and interfirm linkages on organizational performance. It is hypothesized that the first two constructs differentiation and innovation are positively related to performance. On the other hand, national innovation policy and interfirm linkages are considered as moderating the impact of the differentiation-performance and innovation-performance relationships. Competitive strategy research, particularly the generic strategy of Porter (1985) and Mintzberg's distinction of generic strategy (1988) underpin this research study. This model's framework was tested using a sample of Hong Kong software firms. Data collected from this cross-sectional survey sample (n=51) were subjected to factor and regression analyses and all of the six hypotheses tested. The strategy-performance results reinforce Mintzberg's claim that differentiation against their competitors does have a significant impact on a firm's performance. There is empirical support of a positive association between differentiation by image and support, and the software firm's return on equity. However, differentiation by price has a negative effect on return on equity. Contrary to expectations, differentiation by design and quality, along with undifferentiation do not show significant influences. The moderating impact of interfirm linkages on strategy-performance is partially supported by the factor of image differentiation which has a significant effect on the firm's return on equity, though with opposite hypothesized direction. The importance of a second moderator, national government policy, is also confirmed in terms of differentiation by quality and image. These variables show positive impacts through their moderating effects on the strategy-performance relationship. For the innovation-performance results, both the level of innovation and the firm size (i.e., control variable) demonstrate a direct effect on sales growth. Contrary to literature claims, it does not offer significant empirical support between internal skills and capabilities, firm characteristics, and extra-organizational factors on the firm's performance. The moderating effect of interfirm linkages and the national innovation policy also do not have a significant impact on the innovation-performance relationship.en_US
dcterms.extentix, 174 leaves : ill. ; 30 cmen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2001en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Doctorateen_US
dcterms.educationalLevelD.B.A.en_US
dcterms.LCSHComputer software industry -- China -- Hong Kongen_US
dcterms.LCSHSmall business -- China -- Hong Kongen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
b16041550.pdfFor All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only)5.47 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show simple item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/1295