A Strategy Tripod Perspective on ISO 9001 Adoption: Evidence From Chinese Manufacturing Firms

Abstract

This article examined the factors at different levels of ISO 9001 adoption and their interaction effects through the integration of resource-, industry-, and institution-based views (i.e., a strategic tripod perspective) and performance implications of ISO 9001 adoption in the Chinese context. A longitudinal data of manufacturing firms were collected. The results showed that potential and available slack, as well as industrial munificence, have a negative impact, while institutional development has a positive effect on ISO 9001 adoption. ISO 9001 adoption is also affected by the various interacting effects of resource, industry, and institution-based factors. Finally, ISO 9001 adoption affects long-term sustainable growth positively but has no significant effect on short-term performance. Our findings provided new theoretical insights into the antecedents at different levels of ISO 9001 adoption and their interacting effects based on a strategic tripod perspective and expanded the understanding of its performance outcomes.