Strategi och kompetensdynamik : en studie i Axis Communications

The purpose of this thesis is to introduce the concept of distinctive competence in a multi-theoretical setting, consisting of the resource-based view, strategic human resource management and organizational learning, in order to develop a theoretical framework for better understanding of the dynamic side of distinctive competence.

The empirical part of the study consists of an in-depth case study of Axis Communications, a high-tech company in the global networking industry, primarily focusing on network connectitvity for non-PC devices.

In order to develop a framework for better understanding the development of distinctice competencies, the concepts of vision and identity are introduced in the strategic management setting. This emerging framework, the competence-platform model, enables a distinction between knowledge, the ability to apply knowledge, and the role of motivation when discussing the emergence of competence. The thesis could thus be seen as an attempt to put forward foundations for a more dynamic view on developmental issues of distinctive competencies'.