Firm resources: a double-edged sword? Resources as enablers and inhibitors of competitive responsiveness

Abstract

We show that resources possess a dual, and opposing, role in influencing competitive responsiveness. On the hand, resources enhance decision-makers' belief that they are able to respond effectively to competitive attacks, but the presence of resources also makes them less motivated to respond. We demonstrate the key role competitor orientation plays in this process and formulate managerial implications from that. Keywords: new product introductions, competitive reaction, managerial assessment