Beschreibung:
Progress in coopetition research is impeded by three problems in the literature: (a) conceptual ambiguity surrounding the coopetition construct; (b) insufficient understanding of contingency factors; and (c) a lack of consideration of potential variations in coopetition structures. Especially in the context of international strategic alliances (ISAs), these unresolved issues lead to further confusion regarding coopetition–joint performance relationships. To address these interrelated issues, this study unpacks coopetition in the ISA context into coopetition intensity and coopetition balance, examines the contingent role of trust in coopetition–joint performance relationships, and provides a nuanced analysis of coopetition structures. Based on a sample of 172 ISAs, we find that coopetition intensity and balance have positive effects on ISAs’ joint performance. Goodwill trust weakens the positive effect of coopetition balance on joint performance, while competence trust strengthens this positive effect. Moreover, compared to a horizontal structure, the moderating effects of trust on the relationship between coopetition balance and joint performance are stronger in a vertical structure. These findings provide novel insights into how coopetition manifests and how partners in ISAs jointly benefit or suffer from coopetition activities from a contingent perspective, thus offering fresh insights for managing coopetition in ISAs