Which of the following is not a typical motive for forming a strategic alliance?

• A. Gaining exclusive control of a competitor's operations
• B. Access to markets and technology
• C. Shared risk
• D. Capability gains

Answer: (C)

Strategic alliances form to capture value from complementarities: accessing new markets or technology, sharing risk, and building capabilities through collaboration. Gaining exclusive control of a competitor’s operations is not a typical alliance motive because it implies taking over and controlling a rival, which is more characteristic of a merger or acquisition rather than a partnership. Alliances are about working together to achieve mutual benefits, not about eliminating a competitor through control. The common motives—entering markets, leveraging technology, spreading risk, and developing capabilities—fit the alliance model well, while exclusive control of a competitor’s operations does not.