The political game of innovation: evidence from the ride-hailing service industry
European Journal of Innovation Management
ISSN: 1460-1060
Article publication date: 9 August 2022
Issue publication date: 25 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Underpinned by the legitimacy perspective, this study explores how ride-hailing services are legitimized through resource exchange among the industry players. The authors explore the types of legitimacy involved in the legitimation process. The authors also examine the political games being played by the actors to attain legitimacy.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study involves thirty-one stakeholders/interviewees from emerging Asia. The interview data are supported by online documents and observations.
Findings
Thematic analysis shows that the industry players collaborate to achieve political, market, alliance, social, and investment legitimacy. The collaborations also legitimize industry players' existence through an eclectic mix of the numerous stakeholders' actions. This study shows how Dacin's proposed four types of legitimacy are coexisting and interconnected. It also highlights the neglected political legitimacy.
Originality/value
The findings guide the policymakers and ride-hailing operators experiencing competing requests to legitimize sustainable ride-hailing service development in urban cities.
Keywords
Citation
Cheah, C.W. and Koay, K.Y. (2024), "The political game of innovation: evidence from the ride-hailing service industry", European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 572-588. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-03-2022-0103
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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