Ruiters, Michele2025-03-182025-03-182025-05-052024-11*A2025http://hdl.handle.net/2263/101545Mini Dissertation (MPhil (Internation Business))--University of Pretoria, 2024.The study examines how managerial actions of Global Value Chains (GVCs) lead-firms influence governance structures within GVCs, focusing on the effects of cognitive biases, information asymmetries and institutional pressures. Grounded in global value chain and institutional theories, the research explores micro-level managerial decisions shaping ownership, control, coordination and value distribution in GVCs. Employing a qualitative methodology, ten semi-structured interviews capture nuanced perspectives of South African GVC lead-firms across diverse institutional contexts. The findings reveal the interplay of managerial adaptation, institutional voids and governance mechanisms in enhancing GVC resilience, competitive advantage and coordination efficiency. The study contributes theoretically by linking institutional pressures to governance outcomes and practically by offering insights for lead-firm managers on aligning governance strategies with institutional environments. This work addresses critical gaps in understanding the micro-foundations of GVC governance and proposes actionable recommendations for sustainable chain management.en© 2023 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.UCTDSustainable development goals (SDGs)Global value chain (GVC)Managerial actionsGovernance structuresInstitutional pressuresCognitive biasesMini Dissertationu23023661