Structural effects on alliance performance : a case study of airline alliances

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to study the connection between the structure of strategic alliances and their realized performance. In order to determine how performance is affected by structural characteristics, an explorative multiple casestudy of the three largest airline alliances is conducted. Data obtained from sources ranging from news articles to books and annual reports is analyzed and compared with theory from the strategic field of alliances. The potential impact of structural factors is analyzed based on previously existing theory and implications are compared to actual performance of the alliances over time. The analysis reveals certain indications that there is a link between structural factors and realized performance, but does not give definitive answers. The thesis concludes by suggesting possible implications for managers and implications for further research.