Chapter 39: Business Imitation

Shigeru Asaba & Marvin B. Lieberman

Business imitation Imitative behavior is pervasive in the business world, where it can be observed across a wide range of Business decisions. For example, firms often imitate new products and processes introduced by others. Imitation is also prevalent in the adoption of managerial methods and organizational forms, and in the timing and choice of new technology, market entry, and other investments. Not surprisingly, if a firm's product or service proves successful in the marketplace, competitors will try to imitate it. This is the most common type of business imitation. The innovating firm's profits will tend to fall as the imitation takes place. To prevent or reduce this erosion, the innovating firm may be able to create barriers to imitation using various methods, such as patents, copyrights, and secrecy. The firm may also strive to improve its products, thereby staying ahead of rivals. This type of imitation—where a clearly successful product ...

Users without subscription are not able to see the full content on this title. Please, subscribe or login to access all content on this website.

• Buy The Book