Several determinants of successful coopetition in small business

The present study draws upon several perspectives within the literature in strategy and organizational behavior to inform our predictive model of successful coopetition at the individual, firm, dyadic and triadic relationship levels in small businesses. We propose that several socially complex, relational, and resource-based determinants predict successful coopetition (trust, commitment, mutual benefit). We further present the policies, procedures and feed-forward control systems developed by a consultant who facilitated a successful coopetitive relationship among several competitors in the fragmented casual furniture industry. Understanding determinants of successful coopetition is useful to those seeking a sustainable competitive advantage and the enhancement of firm performance.