The Resource-Based View and Learning Theory: Overlaps, Differences, and a Shared Future

The resource-based view and learning theory have developed independently but still have important areas of theoretical overlap, especially in central assumptions, such as how organizational differences, path dependence, and complex social technologies shape strategy. In addition, they have divergent and complementary theory, with major differences stemming from organizational learning focusing on behaviors rather than resources and organizing its research based on the sources of learning and the triggers of learning. Two research streams in organizational learning with particular implications for the resource-based view are the work on problemistic search and the work on interorganizational imitation. Both are expected to develop quickly as a result of the necessary interaction between research based on organizational theory and strategic management. They are promising areas of investigation for the resource-based view of the firm that can help distinguish the sources of sustainable competitive advantage and the importance of enduring competitive advantage.