Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica, Vol 7, No 4 (2011)

Abstract

This paper presents a critical review of the strategic alliance literature, with an emphasis on the psychosocial factors involved in strategic alliances’ performance.  I argue that these have been neglected in favour of macro and meso-level theories, which tend to ignore performance-effects of micro-level behavioural factors.  The schools of thought and methodologies that have shaped the development of the strategic alliance literature are discussed along with the key success factors that have been related to strategic alliances’ performance. In conclusion, I put forth a set of recommendations for future research.