Building on strategic momentum and alliance studies, we theoretically explain and test the non-monotonicity of the alliance momentum of same- or cross-functional-type alliances. We theorize about critical drivers that generate bounded momentum and further argue whether function-specific momentum occurs sequentially or simultaneously. We examine cross-border alliances of 32 international airlines from 1945 to 1994 and find that the inverted U-shaped pattern of alliance momentum holds for same-type but not for cross-type alliances at both the firm and industry levels. These findings imply that alliance momentum with a specific functional focus evolves sequentially rather than simultaneously.
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