The valuation of competitiveness only on the basis of economic performance imposes limits to the concept which has been studied mainly as confined to operational efficiency. It's means that competitiveness would derive from organizational excellence in performance which could be evaluated by means of economic and financial measures. However, there are enough arguments in the institutional theory literature that make us to believe organizational competitiveness also depends upon valued social conduct which may guarantee organizational legitimacy and survival. As such, this study sought to identify archetypes at three environmental levels based upon a set of values which represent patterns of competitiveness that have influence on organizational strategic positioning.
organizational strategy; competitiveness; environment; institutional context of reference; institutional theory
