Achieving Market Orientation Through Cross-Functional Integration

Author(s):

  • Ana Beatriz Murillo-Oviedo (National University of Costa Rica, Heredia, Costa Rica)
  • Márcio Lopes Pimenta (Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil)
  • Per Hilletofth (Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden)
  • Ewout Reitsma (Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden)
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Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to understand how cross-functional integration contributes to the market orientation of a company that strives to increase market responsiveness. A case study in the Brazilian beverages industry was conducted and empirical data was collected through fourteen in-depth interviews from various functions within the company. The findings indicate that cross-functional integration enables the company to achieve market orientation through two main processes: product launch and customer complaints. Cross-functional integration enables a company to disseminate knowledge about organizational dynamics at both departmental and individual levels, to generate interdependency, to improve the awareness about the internal needs, and to improve the internal knowledge about the customer. This study shows that practitioners need to establish cross-functional integration, as it contributes to the market orientation of a company. Internal knowledge enables practitioners to create value through products and services, while still preserving the corporate image. It also shows that cross-functional teams and meetings are necessary to achieve market orientation in a company.
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@article{oscm-2019-231,
  title={Achieving Market Orientation Through Cross-Functional Integration},
  year={2019},
  author={Ana Beatriz Murillo-Oviedo and Márcio Lopes Pimenta and Per Hilletofth and Ewout Reitsma},
  journal={Operations and Supply Chain Management: An International Journal},
  volume={12},
  number={3},
  pages={175--185},
  doi={10.31387/oscm0380241}
}
Ana Beatriz Murillo-Oviedo, Márcio Lopes Pimenta, Per Hilletofth, Ewout Reitsma (2019). Achieving Market Orientation Through Cross-Functional Integration. Operations and Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 12(3), 175-185. https://doi.org/10.31387/oscm0380241