Time‐based competition and multiculturalism: A comparative approach to the Brazilian, Danish and Finnish furniture industries

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that time‐based competition (TBC) strategies aligned to logistics and to multicultural awareness can help organisations respond appropriately and more quickly to the different needs and expectations of customers located around the globe. In a globalised market, where organisations are located in many different countries, establishing competitive advantages that result in sustainable leadership has become a goal to be reached.

Design/methodology/approach

TBC was studied in furniture companies in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Brazil by conducting case studies. The research presented here is part of a larger study that focuses on TBC strategies and multiculturalism in the furniture industry.

Findings

Data were collected from various furniture companies located in countries targeted in this study in order to gauge the extent to which TBC in a multicultural and logistic‐oriented approach has been taken on board, and how important it seems to be perceived in national contexts.

Originality/value

The paper presents some comparison on logistics management practices between the countries and suggests managerial implication for development and discusses about connection between cultural aspects and time based management.

Citation

Tammela, I., Canen, A.G. and Helo, P. (2008), "Time‐based competition and multiculturalism: A comparative approach to the Brazilian, Danish and Finnish furniture industries", Management Decision, Vol. 46 No. 3, pp. 349-364. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740810863834