The role of firm resources and organizational attributes in determining entry timing: A cross-industry study

We investigate the factors that influence the timing of entry of firms into new industries based on new technology. Consistent with previous research, it is hypothesized that firm resources and organizational attributes influ ence entry timing. Unlike previous research, there is specific consideratio n of how industry setting-specifically, the Extent to which it offers first mover advantages-influences the ability to predict timing of entry. The ab ility to explain entry timing differed across industries, with success occu rring in the industry with strong first mover advantages. Two categories of resources, technological and,marketing, were found to be associated with e arly entry. The organizational attributes that influenced early entry were commitment to a threatened market and (surprisingly) greater size. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.