Browsing by Author "Zhao, Jinlin"

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    The antecedent factors and entry mode choice of multinational lodging firms: the case of growth strategies into new international markets
    Zhao, Jinlin (Virginia Tech, 1994)
    The primary objective of this study was to utilize an exploratory research methodology to determine relationships among the antecedent factors and entry mode choices of multinational lodging firms. A basic framework was developed based on the review of the literature of multinational strategy, international business theories and concepts and hospitality management strategy. A qualitative research approach, specifically a multiple-case study method was used. The data was collected through interviews and secondary resources of five multinational lodging companies, analyzed through summary tables and matrices. The findings from the research included sixteen propositions that explain the relationships among the antecedent factors and entry mode choices in the multinational lodging operations. A framework was developed to illustrate the antecedent factors which may support the entry mode choices of the multinational lodging companies. Factors in the framework include those from the external environment: taxation and repatriation in the political dimension, infrastructure and tourism related factors in the economic dimension, adaptation to local needs and expectations in the socio-cultural dimension, investment and sharing technology in the technological dimension and awareness of the natural environment in the ecological dimension. Antecedent factors in the internal environment include: local and regional competitors, international and local customers, gateway and commercial centers of property locations, the strengths and weaknesses in tangible and intangible assets and partner selection criteria. These factors were found to have an important influence on the entry mode choices of the five participating multinational lodging companies.
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    A Test of the Co-Alignment Principle in Independent Hotels: A Case Study
    Taylor, Marcia Hillary (Virginia Tech, 2002-07-26)
    The purpose of this study was to understand the types of competitive methods used by independent hotels in their bid to obtain and sustain competitive advantage. The concept of the co-alignment principle, as it relates to the choice of competitive methods and their implementation, was the focus of the research. The study investigated the co-alignment between the elements of the co-alignment principle; strategy choice, firm structure and firm performance. Five hotels in Jamaica and two propositions were used to test the model. The theoretical discussions were based upon the resource-based view literature. The empirical section of the study consisted of in-depth case studies, direct observations, guests' surveys and secondary data of independently owned and operated hotels in Jamaica. Interviews were conducted with general managers (or acting general managers) and other managers at each hotel. The study revealed the importance of co-alignment in hotels and the results indicated that performance was best when there was co-alignment. The results also indicated that the competitive methods cited by managers, as providing the greatest value to the hotels, were not always in line with what guests saw as important to them. Six conclusions were reached, which revealed the actions of managers of independent hotels. Unlike past research that focused on only one element of the co-alignment principle, this study focused on three elements; strategy choice, firm structure, and firm performance. The fourth element, environmental forces, was held constant in this study.