Abstract
This article explores the interplay between business history and strategic management, focusing on the evolution of the "competitive advantage" concept. It suggests that business history, traditionally concerned with understanding corporate success across time, can enrich strategic management theories by incorporating historical insights into strategic frameworks.
A literature review reveals that the mention of "competitive advantage" has significantly increased in strategic management literature from 1985 to 2024, underscoring its importance. Yet, this concept is rarely discussed within business history journals, indicating a potential gap between these disciplines. Despite the foundational contributions of scholars like Porter (1980) and Barney (1991), who have defined and elaborated on competitive advantage, business history has not fully engaged with these ideas, pointing to a missed opportunity for cross-disciplinary integration.
The paper aims to bridge this gap by reviewing literature on competitive advantages over time and proposing methodological innovations to integrate strategic management concepts into business history. This approach seeks to foster a dialogue between the historical and strategic dimensions of business, enhancing the understanding of how companies achieve and sustain success.
The developmental project advocates for a methodological framework that allows business historians to incorporate strategic management theories more effectively. By examining existing literature and identifying patterns and challenges, the goal is to uncover insights that can inform both historical analysis and strategic decision-making. The proposed integration aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of competitive advantage, combining historical depth with strategic analysis.