What makes cross-border alliances an attractive strategic means of gaining a foothold in foreign markets?
A. Alliances provide the flexibility to readily disengage when the purpose has been served or the benefits prove elusive and also provide the firm with some degree of autonomy and operating control, as well as independence.
B. Alliances are permanent arrangements and thus are considered a long-term strategic advantage.
C. Alliances bind firms to "local" customary behavior, language, and cultural identities and operating practices.
D. Alliances are not relevant compared to acquisition approaches for foreign entry.
E. Alliances direct the firm's competitive energies to each other instead of toward mutual rivals, allowing advanced internal strategic responses to differences in operating practices.
Answer: Alliances provide the flexibility to readily disengage when the purpose has been served or the benefits prove elusive and also provide the firm with some degree of autonomy and operating control, as well as independence.