Explore Babson
Back to All Babson Back to All Babson
Close
Babson CollegeBabson College logo Centers & Institutes
High School Programs
profile image for Miguel Rivera-Santos

Miguel Rivera-Santos

  • Professor
  • Louis J. Lavigne, Jr. '69, P'92 Endowed Term Chair in Strategy and Planning
Academic Division: Management
781-239-5325
Miguel Rivera-Santos is an Associate Professor of Strategy and International Business at Babson College, where he has been teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in strategy, international business, and business-led poverty alleviation for several years. He received his MSc and PhD in Strategy from HEC School of Management, Paris. Prof. Rivera-Santos's current research focuses on the implications of conflicting institutional rules at the organizational and individual levels, particularly in the context of subsistence markets, with an emphasis on Sub-saharan African and refugee contexts. Current projects include the micro-level interaction between formal and informal environments; the micro-foundations of the formalization of street-peddlers; the institutional foundations of trust in governance; and a quantitative analysis of conflicts between indigenous communities and multinationals. His work has been published in a variety of academic journals, including Academy of Management Journal, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Operations Management, Journal of Management, Global Strategy Journal, Academy of Management Perspectives, Business and Society, and Journal of Business Ethics, among others, as well as in several academic and practitioner-oriented books. He has also collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme for a report on barriers and opportunities at the Base of the Pyramid. He presents his research regularly in all the major international academic conferences, including the Academy of Management, the Academy of International Business, and Strategic Management Society. He is the author of several case studies, including two case series: "MTN vs. Orange in Cameroon" and "The Amazon-Toys'R'Us Alliance".

Academic Degrees

  • Ph D, HEC School of Management
  • DEA , University of Paris X-Nanterre
  • BS/MS, HEC School of Management

Academic Interest / Expertise

Poverty alleviation; Institutions; Informality; Refugee economies; Social Entrepreneurship

Awards & Honors

  • 2017 — Excellence for Teaching in Graduate Programs, Babson College

Courses

  • Degree Courses 2025

    • STR 6100 STRATEGY

  • Degree Courses 2024

    • MOB 7202 STRATEGY
    • STR 6100 STRATEGY

  • Degree Courses 2023

    • MOB 7202 STRATEGY
    • STR 6100 STRATEGY

Publications

Journal Articles

  • Shulist, P., Rivera-Santos, M., Kistruck, G., Nguni, W. (in press). Can I Sell You Avocadoes and Talk to You About Contraception? Well, It Depends Which Comes First: Anchor Roles and Asymmetric Boundaries. Academy of Management Journal. Vol: 66, Issue: 6, Page: 1768–1802. link
  • Nuer, A.T., van Dijk, ., Jongerden, J., Rivera-Santos, M. (2022). Transfer of ownership for social venture entrepreneurs: A case study in northern Tanzania. Africa Journal of Management. Vol: 8, Issue: 2, Page: 238-258.
  • Fransen, L., Kolk, A., Rivera-Santos, M. (2019). The multiplicity of international corporate social responsibility standards: Implications for global value chain governance. Vol: 27, Issue: 4, Page: 397-426. Multinational Business Review.
  • Kolk, A., Rivera-Santos, M. (2018). The State of Research on Africa in Business and Management: Insights from a Systematic Review of Key International Journals. Business & Society. Vol: 57, Issue: 3, Page: 415 –436.
  • Kolk, A., Rivera-Santos, M., Rufin, C. (2018). Multinationals, international business, and poverty: A cross-disciplinary research overview and conceptual framework. Journal of International Business Policy. Vol: 1, Issue: 1-2, Page: 92–115. Palgrave Macmillan UK. link
  • Rivera-Santos, M., Rufin, C., Wassmer, U. (2017). Alliances between firms and nonprofits: A multiple and behavioral agency approach. Journal of Management Studies. Vol: 54, Issue: 6, Page: 854–875.
  • Nuer, A.T., Rivera-Santos, M., Rufin, C., Van Dijk, G. (2016). Leaving a Social Venture: Social Entrepreneurial Exit among the Maasai in Northern Tanzania. Africa Journal of Management. Vol: 2, Issue: 3, Page: 281-299. Taylor & Francis.
  • Rivera-Santos, M., Holt, D., Littlewood, D., Kolk, A. (2015). Social Entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa. Academy of Management Perspectives. Vol: 29, Issue: 1, Page: 72-91. Academy of Management.
  • Parmigiani, A., Rivera-Santos, M. (2015). Sourcing for the Base of the Pyramid: Constructing Supply Chains to Address Voids in Subsistence Markets. Journal of Operations Management. Vol: 33-34, Issue: 1, Page: 60-70. Elsevier BV.
  • Kolk, A., Rivera-Santos, M., Rufin, C. (2014). Reviewing a Decade of Research on the “Base/Bottom of the Pyramid” (BOP) Concept. Business & Society. Vol: 53, Issue: 3, Page: 338-377. Sage Publications, Inc..
  • Kalasin, K., Dussauge, P., Rivera-Santos, M. (2014). The Expansion of Emerging Economy Firms into Advanced Markets: The Influence of Intentional Path-Breaking Change. Global Strategy Journal. Vol: 4, Issue: 2, Page: 75-103. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.. link
  • Rivera-Santos, M., Rufin, C., Kolk, A. (2012). Bridging the institutional divide: Partnerships in subsistence markets . Journal of Business Research. Vol: 65, Issue: 12, Page: 1721-1727. Elsevier Inc..
  • Murphy, M., Perrot , F., Rivera-Santos, M. (2012). New perspectives on learning and innovation in cross-sector collaborations. Journal of Business Research. Vol: 65, Issue: 12, Page: 1700-1709. Elsevier Inc..
  • Rivera-Santos, M., Ruffin, C. (2012). Between Commonweal and Competition: Understanding the Governance of Public–Private Partnerships. Journal of Management. Vol: 38, Issue: 5, Page: 1634-1654. Sage Publications, Inc..
  • Rivera-Santos, M., Parmigiani , A. (2011). Clearing a path through the forest: A meta-review of interorganizational relationships. Journal of Management. Vol: 37, Issue: 4, Page: 1108-1136.
  • Kriauciunas, A., Parmigiani , A., Rivera-Santos, M. (2011). Leaving Our Comfort Zone: Integrating Established Practices with Unique Adaptations Conduct Survey-based Strategy Research in Non-traditional Contexts . Strategic Management Journal. Vol: 32, Page: 994-1010.
  • Rivera-Santos, M., Rufin, C. (2010). Global Village vs Small Town: Understanding Networks at the Base of the Pyramid. International Business Review. Vol: 19, Issue: 2, Page: 126-139.
  • Rivera-Santos, M., Rufin, C. (2010). Odd Couples: Understanding the Governance of Firm-NGO Alliances . Journal of Business Ethics. Issue: 94, Page: 55-70.
  • Rivera, M., Rufin, C.R. (2007). PPPs as strategic alliances: Understanding the differences and similarities between PPPs and business alliances. Issue: 13.
  • Rivera, M. (2005). Start-up factories - high-performance management, job quality, and regional advantage. A book review. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization. Vol: 3, Issue: 56, Page: 543-456.
  • Rivera, M., Mitchell , W., Dussauge, P. (2005). The Determinants of Inter-Partner Learning in Alliances - An Empirical Study in e-Commerce. Strategic Capabilities and Knowledge Transfer Within and Between Organizations. New Perspectives from Acquisitions, Networks, Learning and Evolution. Edward Edgar Publishers.

Cases and Teaching Notes

  • Rivera, M. (2006). Does Punch Taverns want its Spirit back?.
  • Rivera, M., Rufin, C.R. (2005). MTN vs. Orange in Cameroon.

Book Chapters

  • Rivera-Santos, M., Dussauge, P. (2017). Alliance Performance: Mesquita, L., R., Reuer, J., & Ragozzino, R. (Eds.), “Collaborative Strategy: A Guide to Strategic Alliances”. Cheltenham, UK - Northampton, MA, USA: Edward Elgar.. Edward Elgar.
  • Rufín, C., Rivera-Santos, M. (2013). Cross-sector governance: from institutions to partnerships, and back to institutions: Social Partnerships and Responsible Business: A Research Handbook. Page: 125-142. Routledge.
  • Rivera-Santos, M., Rufin, C. (2012). Bottom-of-the-pyramid strategies and networks: Handbook of Research on International Strategic Management. Page: 430-450. Edward Elgar Publishing, Inc..

Reports

  • Rivera-Santos, M. (2014). The Role of the Private Sector in Inclusive Development: Barriers and Opportunities at the Base of the Pyramid. United Nations Development Programme. link

Conference Proceedings

  • Kriauciunas, A., Rivera-Santos, M. (2013). From Value-Price-Cost to Thamani-Bei-Gharama: Three market contexts and a universal framework: 2nd Biennial Africa Academy of Management (AFAM) Conference Proceedings. The Africa Academy of Management.

Other

  • Rufin, C., Rivera-Santos, M. (2017). Beyond Business as Usual: Governance Mechanisms for Cross-Sector Partnerships. link
  • Holt, D., Littlewood, D., Kolk, A., Rivera-Santos, M. (2015). African Data can Bring Fresh Insights to Management and Social Entrepreneurship Studies. link
  • Rivera-Santos, M., Bitzer, V. (2014). The ‘lack’ of relevance of researchers for practice stems from a misunderstanding of this role. Vol: 9, Page: 94-95. Annual Review of Social Partnerships.
  • Rivera-Santos, M. (2012). Joint Ventures: The Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Globalization. Issue: 1st. Wiley-Blackwell.
  • Rivera, M. (2009). MTN vs Orange in Cameroon: Industry Note, Case A: MTN Cameroon, Case B: Orange Cameroon, Teaching Note.

Presentations

  • Extractive Industry conflict intensity and Economic Cycles Saravanapavan, L. Murphy, M. Rivera-Santos, M. Haxhi, I. International Association for Business and Society, Bath, UK (2023)
  • Doctoral Consortium presentation Rivera-Santos, M. CSSI 2022 Doctoral Consortium, Virtual (2022)
  • Conflicts between Firms and External Stakeholders: A Configurational Approach Haxhi, I. Chavez, J. Murphy, M. Rivera, M. AOM Academy of Management, Virtual (2020)
  • Enablers and challenges of case-based management education in, about, and for Africa Rivera-Santos, M. AOM Academy of Management, Chicago, IL (2018)
  • “Swift institutions”: What can refugee economies teach us about how institutions emerge? Haxhi, I. Rivera-Santos, M. Rufin, C. AOM Academy of Management, Chicago, IL (2018)
  • To work, some things must change: Modifying measurement scales for use in contexts of poverty Rivera-Santos, M. AOM Academy of Management, Atlanta, GA (2017)
  • Conflicts between Indigenous Communities and Multinationals: Understanding the Role of MNE-, Country-, and Community-specific Factors Haxhi, I. Rivera-Santos, M. Murphy, M. Academy of Management (AOM), Anaheim, US (2016)
  • Facing Formalization Pressures: Understanding Options and Choices for Informal Entrepreneurs Toivonen, A. Rivera-Santos, M. Martí Lanuza, I. Academy of Management (AOM), Anaheim, US (2016)
  • Formalization of the Shadow Economy Toivonen, A. Rivera-Santos, M. EGOS Colloquium, Naples, Italy (2016)
  • Firm-NGO collaborations: An agency theory perspective Rivera-Santos, M. Rufin, C. Wassmer, U. JMS Special Issue Paper Development Workshop, London, UK (2015)
  • Firm-NGO collaborations: An agency theory perspective Rivera-Santos, M. Rufin, C. Wassmer, U. Strategic Management Society (SMS), Denver (2015)
  • Resource vs. Agency: The Impact of Government Ownership on the Performance of Emerging Economy Firms Kalasin, K. Dussauge, P. Rivera-Santos, M. Strategic Management Society (SMS), Denver (2015)
  • Trust and Governance: Understanding the Dimensions and Institutional Foundations Parmigiani, A. Rivera-Santos, M. Strategic Management Society (SMS), Denver (2015)
  • From conflict to alignment: MNEs operating in the presence of co-existing institutional environments Murphy, M. Rivera-Santos, M. Rufin, C. Academy of Management, Vancouver (2015)
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Standards: Uncovering the Complexity of Filling Institutional Voids Fransen, L. Kolk, A. Rivera-Santos, M. Harvard Business School Workshop on International Business Responses to Institutional Voids, Boston (2015)
  • Escaping the bear’s embrace: State-owned enterprises from emerging economies and international expansion Rivera-Santos, M. Kalasin, K. Dussauge, P. The 74th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, Philadelphia, PA (2014)
  • Maasai or Tanzanian? Institutional isolation vs. integration of subsistence markets and their impact on business ventures Rivera-Santos, M. Nuer, A. Rufin, C. The 74th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, Philadelphia, PA (2014)
  • Rational or irrational? Understanding consumption tradeoffs among the poor Toivonen, A. Rivera-Santos, M. Ismail, T. The Fifth Subsistence Marketplace Conference, Chicago, IL (2014)
  • Cross-Sector Social Interactions Symposium Rivera-Santos, M. Rufin, C. Innovative Collaboration for a Complex World: Reaching Across institutional Divides, Boston, MA (2014)
  • From Value-Price-Cost to Thamani-Bei-Gharama: Three market contexts and a universal framework Kriauciunas, A. Rivera-Santos, M. 2nd Biennial Conference of the Africa Academy of Management, Gaborone, Botswana (2014)
  • What is excellent research on inclusive market strategies: Publication strategies and academic career planning Rivera, M. Young Scholars Development Academy, Istanbul, Turkey (2013)
  • Social business et BoP: état des lieux, nouveaux enjeux Rivera, M. Forum Mondial Convergences, Paris (2013)
  • Organising and Governing Inclusive Business Models Rivera, M. oikos UNDP Young Scholars Development Academy 2013, Istanbul, Turkey (2013)
  • The Long Jump Rivera, M. Academy of Management 2013 Annual Meeting - Professional Development Workshop, Lake Buena Vista, FL (2013)
  • Transforming Markets - Cross Sector Partnerships for Sustainable Product Standards Rivera, M. Academy of Management 2013 Annual Meeting - Professional Development Workshop, Lake Buena Vista, FL (2013)
  • Business Education and the Humanities Rivera, M. Wheaton Institute for the Interdisciplinary Humanities Inaugural Event, Norton, MA (2013)
  • Not one but many: Understanding Base of the Pyramid market selection Rivera, M. Rufin, C. The Inaugural Academy of Management Global Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa (2013)
  • Sourcing for the Base of the Pyramid: Aid-centric and consumer-centric supply chains in subsistence markets Rivera, M. Parmigiani, A. The Inaugural Academy of Management Global Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa (2013)
  • Environmental and Social Issues in the African Context Rivera, M. Kolk, A. Academy of Management (AOM), Boston (2012)
  • Firm-NGO collaborations: An agency theory perspective Rivera, M. Rufin, C. Wassmer, U. Academy of Management (AOM), Boston, MA (2012)
  • Bridging the institutional divide: Partnerships in subsistence markets Rivera, M. Rufin, C. Kolk, A. Fourth Cross-Sector Partnership Symposium: Making a Difference , Rotterdam, Netherlands (2012)
  • Bridging the institutional divide: Partnerships in subsistence markets Rivera, M. Rufin, C. Kolk, A. Second Research Workshop on Sustainability & Impact Challenges at the Base of the Pyramid , Paris, France (2012)
  • Moving From Value - Price- Cost - to Thamani - Bei = Gharama: The VPC framework in developed, emerging and subsistence markets Rivera, M. Kriauciunas , A. Strategic Management Society Conference - Extension Day , Vilnius, Lithuania (2012)
  • Understanding the complexity of Partnerships in Subsistence Markets Rivera, M. Kolk, A. Rufin, C. Academy of International Business, Nagoya (2011)
  • How different are BOP markets really? International market selection at the Base of the Pyramid Rivera, M. Rufin, C. Academy of Management (AOM), San Antonio (2011)
  • How different are BOP markets really? International market selection at the Base of the Pyramid Rivera, M. Rufin, C. C.K. Prahalad Legacy Conference , San Diego (2011)
  • Multinationals and the Bottom of the Pyramid: Quo Vadis? Rivera, M. Kolk, A. Rufin, C. C.K. Prahalad Legacy Conference , San Diego (2011)
  • Where West Meet East and South: Environmental and Social Issues in Africa Rivera, M. Kolk, A. Professional Development Workshop, Academy of Management (AOM), San Antonio (2011)
  • Firm-NGO collaborations: An External Stakeholder Benefits Perspective Rivera, M. Rufin, C. Wassmer, U. Strategic Management Society Conference (SMS), Miami (2011)
  • Sourcing for the Base of the Pyramid: Creating Supply Chains for Subsistence Markets Rivera, M. Parmigiani, A. Strategic Management Society Conference (SMS), Miami (2011)
  • Cross-sectoral governance: from networks to partnerships Rivera, M. Rufin, C. 2nd International Symposium on Cross-Sector Social Interactions: Re-Imagining Partnerships for the Global Social Good, Brunel University, London (2010)
  • What do we really know about the Base of the Pyramid concept? A literature review Rivera, M. Kolk, A. Rufin, C. Academy of International Business, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2010)
  • Do Business Plans Competitions Promote Venture Creation and Growth in Developing Countries Rivera, M. Meyskens , M. Academy of Management , Montreal, Canada (2010)
  • What do we really know about the Base of the Pyramid concept? A literature review Rivera, M. Kolk, A. Rufin, C. Academy of Management , Montreal, Canada (2010)
  • Moving from dyadic to quadripartile collaborations: Partnerships in subsistence marketplaces Rivera, M. Kolk, A. Rufin, C. Third Subsistence Marketplaces Conference , Chicago, IL (2010)
  • Myth or Reality? Understanding the Impact of BOP initiatives on Poverty Rivera, M. Rufin, C. Academy of International Business (AIB), San Diego (2009)
  • Myth or Reality? Understanding the Impact of BOP initiatives on Poverty Rivera, M. Rufin, C. Academy of Management (AOM), Chicago, IL (2009)
  • BOP and poverty alleviation Rivera, M. Rufin, C. GIBS International BOP Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa (2009)
  • Myth or Reality? The Impact of Base-of-the-Pyramid Initiatives on Poverty Alleviation Rivera, M. Professional Development Workshop, Academy of Management (AOM), Chicago, IL (2009)
  • How Do Firm-controlled Factors Influence Learning and Leakage in Alliances? The Partial Tradeoff between Knowledge Acquisition and Protection Rivera, M. Mitchell, W. Dussuage, P. AIMS, Sophia Antipolis (2008)
  • Global Village vs. Small Town: Understanding Networks at the Base of the Pyramid Rivera, M. Rufin, C. , Anaheim (2008)
  • Global Village vs. Small Town: Understanding Networks at the Base of the Pyramid Rivera, M. Rufin, C. , Milan (2008)
  • Asking the Same Questions, But Getting Different Answers: Diverse Perspectives on IORs Rivera, M. Professional Development Workshop , Anaheim (2008)
  • Between Commonweal and Competition: Understanding Public-Private Partnerships Rivera, M. Rufin, C. , Philadelphia (2007)
  • Partners, Lovers, or Friends: Unresolved Issues in Interorganizational Relationship Research Rivera, M. Parmigiani, A. , Philadelphia (2007)
  • Public-Private Partnerships as nonmarket strategy Rivera, M. Rufin, C. , San Diego (2007)
  • Alliances between Multinationals and Non-Profit Organizations Rivera, M. Rufin, C. Academy of International Business Conference , Beijing (2006)
  • Collaborations between MNEs and NGOs in Developing Countries Rivera, M. Rufin, C. Business as an Agent of World Benefit , Cleveland (2006)
  • Learning and Leakage in Alliances: Benefits and Tradeoffs from Firm-Determined Factors Rivera, M. Dussuage, P. , Atlanta (2006)
  • MNE-NGO Alliances in Developing Countries Rivera, M. Rufin, C. , Atlanta (2006)
  • The determinants of Inter-Partner Learning in Alliances – An Empirical Study in e-Commerce Rivera, M. Mitchell, W. Dussuage, P. European Academy of Management Conference , Milan (2003)
  • The determinants of Inter-Partner Learning in Alliances Rivera, M. Mitchell, W. Dussuage, P. , Seattle (2003)
MoreGreen Chevron