My research interests lie at the organizational level and at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. My work is generally focused on novel strategies and organizational learning (e.g., experimentation, organizational capabilities, business model innovation) in rapidly changing environments typically characterized by novel technologies. I often study my research questions through theoretical lenses that consider complexity of organizations and managerial decisions (e.g., interdependencies, complementarities, equifinality) as well as a their behavioral characteristics, such as adaptation and search. I use both quantitative and qualitative research methods and empirical settings ranging from online businesses to basketball teams and spaceflight. My research has been published by top journals such as the Academy of Management Journal and Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice.
Publications
Leppänen, P., George, G. & Alexy. O. 2023. When Do Novel Business Models Lead to High Firm Performance? A Configurational Approach to Value Drivers, Competitive Strategy, and Firm Environment. Academy of Management Journal, 66(1): 164–194. Link
Haefner, N., Palmié, M. & Leppänen, P. 2023. With(Out) a Little Help From My Friends? Reconciling Incongruous Findings on Stakeholder Management, Innovation, and Firm Performance. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 47(1): 142–171. Link
Leppänen, P., McKenny, A. & Short, J. 2019. Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Entrepreneurship: Exploring the Approach and Noting Opportunities for the Future, in Brian Boyd, T. Russell Crook, Jane K. Lê, Anne D. Smith (ed.) Standing on the Shoulders of Giants (Research Methodology in Strategy and Management, Volume 11) Emerald Publishing Limited, pp.155–177.
Please see my CV for more information about my research and current working papers.