Sources of sustainable competitive advantage: the case of rice-milling firms in Thailand

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of several valuable resources (organizational reputation, human resource management (HRM) practices, networks, and vertical integration in production) in explaining the performance of rice-milling firms in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

Resource-based view (RBV) theory was used to explain that the particular bundle of firm resources can become the source of sustainable competitive advantage and thereby improve the business's performance. Semi-structured in-depth interviews and questionnaire were used to collect data from Thailand rice exporters. Then regression technique was employed for data analysis.

Findings

Results from a survey of rice mills involved in international export showed that organizational reputation, some HRM practices, and networks were significantly related to firm's performance, but vertical integration was not.

Originality/value

This study supports the basic assertion of RBV theory that a set of firm specific resources could be applied in ways that enhance sustainable competitive advantage.

Citation

Ritthaisong, Y., M. Johri, L. and Speece, M. (2014), "Sources of sustainable competitive advantage: the case of rice-milling firms in Thailand", British Food Journal, Vol. 116 No. 2, pp. 272-291. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-01-2012-0003