You can find a list of my published research with brief practical takeaways from each article below. I owe a special thanks to Starbucks for giving me space to dedicate undivided attention or deep work (see for more on Deep Work) which resulted in most of this work.
13. Decoding Coopetition: Dynamics, Strategic Orientations, and Evolutionary Shifts (with Aydin Beraha)
Practical Takeaway: Coopetition requires ongoing calibration rather than a fixed strategic choice. Managers should routinely monitor a small set of relationship conditions including tension, trust, mutual dependence, power balance, formal governance, network legitimacy, and cultural alignment to determine whether cooperation, competition, or a balanced approach is most appropriate. High trust, clear formal structures, and cultural fit support deeper collaboration, while rising tension or power asymmetries call for stronger safeguards and a more competition-oriented stance. Treating coopetition as a dynamic system enables leaders to anticipate shifts early, limit relational risk, and intentionally adjust strategy as conditions evolve.
12. Coopetition in Practice: Managerial Practices for navigating cooperation with competitors (with Thomas Greckhamer)
Practical Takeaway: In industries where firms must simultaneously compete and collaborate, such as seafood processing, success often hinges on mastering the art of “coopetition.” This study offers a practical guide for managers to navigate this balance. It identifies key practices like sharing resources during shortages, co-developing technologies, and collectively lobbying for favorable regulations. These strategies not only help individual firms stay resilient but also enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the entire industry. Managers can apply these insights by fostering strong relationships with competitors while leveraging industry associations to address shared challenges and drive mutual growth.
11. When they are more than just employees: Environmentally conscious decision‐making in employee‐owned organizations (with Mehmet Ali Yetim)
Practical Takeaway: This study delves into the intersection of employee-owned organizations and environmental sustainability, aiming to uncover how these entities make environmentally conscious decisions. Through interviews with top executives, the research identifies transparency and delegation of authority as pivotal mechanisms guiding environmentally conscious decision-making. The findings present three distinct paths forged by these mechanisms, offering practical insights for practitioners seeking to align environmental concerns with organizational sustainability in the context of employee-owned organizations. Link to the article.
10. Finding self among others: Navigating the tensions between personal and social identity (with Blake Mathias)
Practical Takeaway: In the entrepreneurial journey, the intersection of personal identity with social interactions can be a complex terrain. This research explores the intricate dance between an entrepreneur’s self-concept and societal interactions, emphasizing the potential tensions and challenges. Entrepreneurs must understand this interplay to navigate business contexts authentically, ensuring they remain true to themselves while acknowledging the need and potential for social relations. Link to the article.
9. Moving Beyond Traditional Sponsorships: Understanding the Structure and Dynamics of Minority Equity Sponsorship Agreements (with Adrian Bouchet, Brian Walkup, and Jonathan Jensen)
Practical Takeaway: Minority equity sponsorships, beyond traditional sponsorships, can offer significant value. They present a unique blend of investment and partnership. For businesses considering sponsorship opportunities, exploring equity-based agreements can provide enhanced strategic alignment and financial benefits. Link to the article.
8. Management’s Knowledge Filter: Entrepreneurship Theory and the Historic Conceptual Evolution of Opportunism in Management Studies (with Jeff Muldoon, Josh Bendickson, and Patrick Murphy)
Practical Takeaway: Over time, the concept of opportunism has evolved in management studies. Understanding this evolution is crucial for contemporary managers and entrepreneurs. Leveraging opportunities without crossing ethical boundaries can lead to long-term business success. Link to the article.
7. Entrepreneurial Opportunity Recognition in the Face of Disasters (with Josh Bendickson, Laura Madden, and William McDowell)
Practical Takeaway: Disasters, whether natural or man-made, often disrupt the status quo but also present unique entrepreneurial opportunities. This research sheds light on how entrepreneurs can recognize and seize these opportunities in challenging times. Businesses that can adapt and find novel solutions post-disasters not only contribute to recovery but also position themselves for future growth and resilience. This highlights the importance of adaptability and innovative thinking, even in the most adverse conditions. Link to the article.
6. Disentangling Combinations and Contingencies of Generic Strategies: A Set Theoretic Configurational Approach (with Thomas Greckhamer)
Practical Takeaway: Generic business strategies are not isolated; they often interact in complex ways to influence performance. This research unravels how different strategy combinations work together under various conditions. For businesses, understanding the optimal blend of strategies, rather than pursuing them in isolation, can lead to better results and competitive advantage. This emphasizes the interconnected nature of strategies and the necessity for businesses to consider a more holistic approach when planning for success. Link to the article.
5. Executive Antecedents of Interfirm Cooperation (with Josh Bendickson and Shelby Solomon)
Practical Takeaway: The background and experiences of executives significantly influence interfirm collaborations. Firms should consider leadership profiles when seeking partnerships, as these can dictate the harmony and productivity of business collaborations. Link to the article.
4. ‘Know Thy Enemy’: A Review and Agenda for Research on Competitor Identification (with Thomas Greckhamer)
Practical Takeaway: Proper identification and comprehension of competitors are more nuanced than it appears. This research dives deep into the intricacies of competitor recognition, offering a comprehensive review and future research directions. For businesses, understanding not just who the competitors are but the depths of their strategies and motivations is crucial. This in-depth knowledge ensures better strategic positioning, anticipatory moves, and sustained competitive advantage. This reinforces the essence of deep strategic understanding and its influence on effective competition in the market. Link to the article.
3. Transformative service research, service design, and social entrepreneurship: An Interdisciplinary approach for service research (with Linda Alkire, Christine Mooney, Sertan Kabadayi, Maija Renko, and Josina Vink)
Practical Takeaway: Combining service research with social entrepreneurship can lead to transformative service designs that cater to societal needs. This interdisciplinary approach not only drives business success but also contributes to social good. Link to the article.
2. The Sherifs’ Contributions to Management Research (with Benjamin McLarty and Jeff Muldoon)
Practical Takeaway: The Sherifs, pioneers in social psychology, have laid foundational concepts beneficial for management studies. Their work underscores the importance of social factors in management decisions and practices. Link to the article.
1. Reducing environmental uncertainty: How high performance work systems moderate the resource dependence-firm performance relationship. (with Josh Bendickson and Erik Taylor)
Practical Takeaway: High-performance work systems can act as a buffer against the unpredictabilities of the business environment. These systems ensure efficient resource utilization, leading to consistent performance even amidst environmental uncertainties. Link to the article.
Furkan A. Gur, PhD 