Significant Links 2: EQUITY OWNERSHIP AND ALLIANCE PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT BETWEEN AIRLINES COMPANIES

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.85623211113

• Palavras-chave: -

• Keywords: Alliances, Relational Capabilities, Interorganizational Trust, Portfolio Diversity, Portfolio Performance, Air Transport.

• Abstract: This empirical research was developed through process design and positivism as a philosophy of science by studying twelve alliances that make up the portfolio of alliances of a focal airline. The research objective was to verify the interaction between relational capabilities, inter-organizational trust, and diversity of the portfolio of partnerships in the passenger air transport industry. Alliances were examined through semi-structured interviews with alliance managers at partner airlines. The interview script was structured based on the literature review. The interviews were transcribed, and the data were analyzed through categorical thematic content analysis. Based on four defined categories, based on grounded literature, twenty-three interactions between eighteen subcategories were identified, which emerged during the data analysis, generating tentative, non-definitive propositions of comparison between the constructs of interest. Crosswise, the constructs' alliance performance and interpersonal trust perculating these constructs under study were found. The findings contribute to the theory of alliances, pointing out that equity participation influences the relational capabilities, the integration of the focal company in multilateral alliances; the inter-organizational trust-building process; and the performance of alliances. As for the theory of inter-organizational conflict, it contributes to emphasizing shareholding investments as a political tactic. From a management perspective, it contributes by 2 shedding light to the role of the alliance manager and the importance of their social skills, including conflict resolution skills. For public policies, it highlights the importance of an incentive policy for structuring and strengthening hubs (connection centers) that have a relevant economic and social role for the regions in which they are located, requiring new regulations by regulatory bodies.