The political game of innovation: evidence from the ride-hailing service industry

Purpose Underpinned by the legitimacy perspective, this study explores how ride-hailing services are legitimized through resource exchange among the industry players. The authors explore the types of legitimacy involved in the legitimation process. The authors also examine the political games being played by the actors to attain legitimacy. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study involves thirty-one stakeholders/interviewees from emerging Asia. The interview data are supported by online documents and observations. Findings Thematic analysis shows that the industry players collaborate to achieve political, market, alliance, social, and investment legitimacy. The collaborations also legitimize industry players' existence through an eclectic mix of the numerous stakeholders' actions. This study shows how Dacin's proposed four types of legitimacy are coexisting and interconnected. It also highlights the neglected political legitimacy. Originality/value The findings guide the policymakers and ride-hailing operators experiencing competing requests to legitimize sustainable ride-hailing service development in urban cities.