Realising plural-form benefits in international hotel chains

There have been a number of synergistic benefits identified in domestic plural chains; those that comprise a mixture of company-owned and franchised units. This qualitative research investigates whether, and how, these synergistic benefits are realised within international plural chains. Through conducting a multiple case study of international hotel chains, the study makes a contribution to our understanding of the dynamics at work within plural organisations. The plural-form model is found to be of only partial relevance to international hotel chains and its potential benefits incompletely realised. Contributory factors include industry-specific factors, the use of multiple brands, the size of hotel chains and the possible lack of complementarity between more complex owned and franchised divisions. However, more importantly, the findings point to a relationship between managerial mindsets and the different organisational processes adopted and the impact this relationship has on enhancing or undermining plural-form advantages.

► We examine international hotel chains as plural forms. ► We investigate the realisation of synergistic benefits. ► We determine the plural-form model is of only partial relevance. ► The dynamics at work within plural forms are revealed.