Applying a longitudinal case study method based on event history analysis, the paper takes Sony's alliance networks between 1995 and 2012 as the case and investigates the relationship between four characteristics of alliance networks and organizational learning patterns, including the types of alliance networks, the level of resource commitment, duration of interactive relationships, and types of network partner capabilities. The research results show that, compared with 1995~2004, Sony managed to transform from less explorative learning to more exploitive learning during the period of 2005~2012 by concluding relatively more equity agreements, increasing the level of resource commitment, strengthening the tieswith its existing partners, and searching for network partners with homogeneous capabilities.The results of case study imply that managers can achieve the change of organizational learning patterns by deliberately designing the alliance network portfolio and alliance networks' characteristics.
Key words
alliance networks /
exploitive learning /
explorative learning /
longitudinal case study /
Sony Corporation
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