A co-evolutionary analysis of longevity: Pakhoed and its predecessors

In this study of the warehousing company Pakhoed and its predecessors over a period of 200 years, we analyse the configuration of environmental forces, exploitation and exploration, and three firm-level longevity factors: a tolerant management style and decentralised structure; a strong sense of ide...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Business history 2015-11, Vol.57 (8), p.1277-1305
Main Authors: van Driel, Hugo, Volberda, Henk W., Eikelboom, Sjoerd, Kamerbeek, Eline
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Business history
Business success
co-evolution
configurations
Exploitation
Exploration
History
Identification
longevity
Management styles
Management theory
Moving & storage industry
Organizational structure
Ports
Sea transport
Studies
tank storage
Trucking
Warehousing
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Summary:In this study of the warehousing company Pakhoed and its predecessors over a period of 200 years, we analyse the configuration of environmental forces, exploitation and exploration, and three firm-level longevity factors: a tolerant management style and decentralised structure; a strong sense of identity; and a conservative financial policy. The idiosyncratic set-up of Pakhoed's forerunners enabled their long-term survival through co-evolution with an environment that both compelled them to be responsive and provided them with scarce resources. In the most recent period, failed explorations helped Pakhoed to strengthen its sense of identity and to focus on a well-chosen field of exploitation.
ISSN:0007-6791
1743-7938
DOI:10.1080/00076791.2015.1026261