Research

We introduce a novel taxonomy of corporate postures in face of institutional change, with ideal types dubbed Obedient Citizen, Dinosaur, Imperialist and Robber Baron. We offer three propositions that mitigate the dominant view that institutional modernization leads to corresponding corporate adaptations, and demonstrate them with a narrative of an original case. We conclude that Robber Barons face significant loss of competitive edge during radical institutional transformation, but can prepare by anticipation to become Obedient Citizens, and that their past may be an advantage in rebuilding a partial Robber Baron position under new institutional conditions.

• Institutional Modernization

• Strategic Intent

• Robber Barons