From corner store to superstore: a historical analysis of Sainsbury’s co-evolution

摘要

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the conceptualisation of co-evolution using a corporate history research approach. While the application of the co-evolutionary perspective to the organisational-environmental relationships has uncovered significant evidences, little is understood about how the co-evolutionary process occurs over time between organisations and their institutional environment.\ud\udDesign/methodology and approach – A co-evolutionary corporate history approach in employed as we investigated Sainsbury’s historical trajectory, exploring the role specific family members played in the evolution of the firm and the co-evolution of Sainsbury with its environment. This research design framework encompasses longitudinal archival analysis which incorporates both external and internal engagement which fostered Sainsbury’s joint evolution.\ud\udFindings – Findings from this study clearly suggests that certain organisations can and do co-evolved with their environment. However, organisations need to build legitimate cases for co-evolution to occur. In addition, they need to acquire certain resources that can be employed to stimulate changes within their institutional environment.\ud\udOriginality/value – Through a corporate history archival analysis, this study presents a UK company’s, evolutionary narrative. The authors contribute to the growing literature on coevolution in management studies by presenting a detailed historical narrative and interpretation of Sainsbury’s evolution at different time periods.