| This research study focused on linkages between industry life cycle, the resource-based view of the firm, and organizational change. Focusing on Sino-Foreign Joint Venture companies in the Chinese automobile industry, research covered a 5-year period from 2000 to 2004 to develop an understanding of the automobile industry in China through a case study. The research developed propositions that were analyzed using comparative and longitudinal research methods to study the impact of foreign company entry into the automobile industry in China. The following chapters develop the specific elements of the research study. Chapter 1 introduces the rationale for studying the Sino-joint ventures in the Chinese automobile industry from the theories on life cycle, resource-based view, and organizational change. Chapter 2 reviews earlier research findings to develop a theoretical foundation and examine findings on the life cycle, resource-based view, and organizational change. Chapter 3 outlines the case study research methodology for the study. Chapter 4 presents the Chinese automobile industry and discusses the propositions. Chapter 5 outlines the results of the findings and the contributions of the research study. The theoretical framework outlines the relationship between industry life cycle, resource-based view, organizational change and the firm's performance. In the longitudinal research, all eight cases supported the hypotheses of industry growth, competitive advantage, and organizational change. The cross case analysis of the firm's performance in the Sino-foreign joint venture companies was supported in all eight companies that were analyzed. |
