Firm resource and first mover advantages: A case of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China

This paper examines the relationship between firm resources and first-mover advantages with regard to foreign direct investment (FDI) in China. While this study replicates some previous research on the issue, it also builds on the previous research by developing new theoretical arguments and adopting different research methods. Based on research on the resource-based view of the firm, we hypothesize that firm resources will moderate the relationship between the timing of entry and firm performance. Empirical analyses of data from a sample of MNEs competing in China show evidence supporting our hypotheses.