A critical analysis of the Resource-Based View in conjunction with First-Mover Advantages: A Case Study of multinational mobile phone manufacturers in India

Abstract The sustainability of first-mover advantages across varied industries and markets is still questionable as most of the research has been undertaken in the United States. This dissertation analyzes the resource-based view in conjunction with the first-mover advantages in the Indian mobile phone manufacturing industry, in order to explore the relation between sequence of entry and performance of multinational firms. After conducting the research, it is found that the sustainability of the first-mover advantages is dependent on a combination of factors. Pre-emption of resources by a pioneer during the initial stages assists the first-mover in accumulating resources and knowledge. Moreover, the resource possession of a late entrant needs to be considered as well. With the dynamically evolving environment, the resource portfolio needs to change and be in sync with the transitions. At the time of their entry, first-movers enjoy exclusive benefits before the entry of other competitors. Nevertheless, with enhanced resource portfolio and market knowledge, a late-mover cannot just match the position but also outperform the pioneer