Abstract
Under the industry life cycle framework, the study (a) explored Korean apparel manufacturing firms’ business activity profiles (what firms do) and competitive advantages (what they have or do to compete) as described by firms; and (b) examined the relationships between business activity profiles and competitive advantages. Based on content analysis, canonical correlation analysis, and correspondence analysis of 200 Korean apparel manufacturing firms’ Web sites, the study found that the Korean apparel manufacturing industry showed consistent characteristics of the mature or declining phase of the industry life cycle. The majority of these firms were engaged in value-added activities such as retailing and product development with an emphasis on brand, quality, and customer service. Results also showed the three clusters of Korean apparel manufacturing firms, Domestic Manufacturers, Foreign Manufacturers, and Retailers, all of which had different competitive advantages. The study concluded with contributions and implications of the results.
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