Research

I am interested in understanding how external actors influence technological adoption by firms. In my current research, I explore this topic by examining how actors make sense of new technologies and how socio-structural systems influence the success of nascent firms implementing such innovations. 

I am currently working on two streams of research that examine technological evolution from these perspectives. In the first stream of research, I examine how external institutional actors, such as security analysts, assess and legitimize new technology firms. In a second stream of research, I examine the temporal changes in firm strategies and external stakeholders’ roles as a technology evolves. 

With the internet industry as my research context 1995 to 2017, I use quantitative methods, text analysis and interviews to answer these questions. 

Published Work

Westphal, J., Zhu, D., & Kunapuli, R. (2021). Seeking Input when the Train has Left the Station: The Decoupling of Participative Strategic Decision-Making Processes and the Role of New Technology in Symbolic Management. Strategic Organization.

Works in progress

Kunapuli, R. (2022) Security analysts’ expertise and new technological firm ratings (under review)

Kunapuli, R., Park, S.H., & Westphal, J.D., The Diffusion and Consequences of Coordinated Impression Management Support among Minority Leaders (Manuscript under preparation)