The role of owners in industrial networks – the case of a steel producer

IMP Journal ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjorn Axelsson ◽  
Håkan Håkansson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Unit ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Steel Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Networks ◽  
Time Period

Purpose – In this paper, the authors will argue that owners as one type among many other types of actors is essential to bring into the picture when analyzing developments in industrial and other kinds of business networks. The direct relationship between owners and the business unit, the firm, is one type of relationship. But owners, as well as the firm as such, also possess several indirect relationships that could be highly relevant in many business network situations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate both direct and indirect relationships when analyzing the role of owners. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical base is coming from an earlier Swedish investigation of the development of a steel company in the course of 75 years. In this study the authors mapped ownership and the role owners had in financial and other terms. The authors also made a detailed investigation of the development of the company in terms of important customers and suppliers, i.e. its business network. In total it means that the empirical data give us a quite multidimensional picture of the role and importance of ownership over a substantial time period. Findings – The owners were for this company not at all important as financers. The monetary flow went, during the whole period, from the company to the owners. The owners, however, played a far more important role in an indirect way, affecting the way the company designed single business relationships as well as the combined network of those relationships. The owners were more important as network designers than as financial contributors. The analysis focusses on two topics: the ways in which owners contributed to the development of the firm during several phases of its development and similarities and differences between the various types of ownership (an entrepreneur – owner, a customer firm, a bank, a family industrial sphere). Originality/value – The results indicate that the existence and importance of indirect relationships is of vital importance when analyzing the importance of owners in business networks. These indirect relationships are usually not analyzed in contemporary research about ownership. This an interesting and important topic and the authors hope that this study will be followed by many more. The addressed topic is especially relevant for the policy implications.

Conceptualizing mechanisms influencing strategizing in business networks

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 777-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Greta Nyström ◽  
Joachim Ramstrom ◽  
Jan-Åke Törnroos
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Conceptual Knowledge ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Strategic Position ◽  
Change Forces

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study how insights from socio-cognitivism (sensemaking and interaction) in conjunction with institutional theory enhance our knowledge of strategizing in business networks through role and position. Design/methodology/approach This paper is conceptual and reviews extant literature from the fields under scrutiny, presenting and analyzing new combined approaches. Findings Current writings concerning strategizing in networks need to be supplemented in the area of strategic business network research. Interaction, sensemaking and institutionalization, as well as the network in which a firm is embedded, are important for strategically developing network positions and the roles of actors. Research limitations/implications This conceptual paper suggests mechanisms affecting role and position in networks and calls for empirical research to deepen the understanding of the change forces at play in embedded relational situations for firms. Originality value This study adds to current conceptual knowledge of strategizing in business networks. It presents a comprehensive perspective in viewing how key forces impact on the strategic position and role of corporate actors (both managers and firms) in networks.

SME network relationships and competitive strategies in the agri-food sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Camanzi ◽  
Carlo Giua
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Network Structure ◽  
Competitive Strategy ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Relationships ◽  
Study Results

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the main factors influencing agri-food small and medium enterprises (SMEs) participation in business networks and to evaluate the impacts of these factors on network structure and the ensuing competitive strategy. Design/methodology/approach The study is articulated in four main steps. First, a critical literature review is conducted concerning the main approaches to firm competitive advantage and the role of stakeholder relationships. Then, three research questions are formulated and discussed in the light of two case studies describing the implementation of an innovative contractual solution in Italy (i.e. business network contracts). Finally, based on these findings, a set of more general “propositions” are stated and included in a provisional conceptual model that schematically depicts an integrated vision of the antecedents and mechanisms influencing SMEs business network structure and competitive strategy. Findings The study results pointed out the opportunity to adopt an integrated approach, combining resource-based view and stakeholder causal scope approaches. The provisional conceptual model proposed illustrates the role of both external and internal resources and relational constructs to shaping network structure and competitive strategy. Originality/value The study’s contribution is twofold. First, the empirical study shed light on opportunities and limits of two business networks with different backgrounds, approaches and outcomes towards value creation. Second, the conceptual framework proposed advances our understanding and knowledge of the factors and mechanisms influencing SMEs business network structure and competitive strategy.

The changing pattern of UK strikes, 1964-2014

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 733-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dave Lyddon
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Strike Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Legislative Changes ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the changing strike activity in the UK over the last 50 years. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on a wide literature on UK strikes and an extensive trawl of newspaper sources. It is divided into four main sections. The first two summarise, in turn, the changing amount and locus of strike activity between 1964 and 2014. The third discusses the changing relationship and balance between official and unofficial strikes. The last covers the role of the courts and legislation on strikes, highlighting some key moments in this turbulent history. Findings – The period 1964-2014 can be divided into three sub-periods: high-strike activity until 1979; a transition period of “coercive pacification” in the 1980s; and unprecedentedly low-strike activity since the early 1990s. Unions were more combative against the legislative changes of the 1980s than they are normally given credit for. Research limitations/implications – Given its broad scope, this paper cannot claim to be comprehensive. Originality/value – This is a rare study of the changing nature of UK strikes over such a long time period.

Strategy formation in the innovation and market domain: emergent or deliberate?

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl-Heinz Leitner
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Product Innovation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Market Development ◽  
Sales Growth ◽  
Strategy Formation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Period ◽  
And Performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the nature of the strategy formation and its impact on firm performance in relation to market development and product innovation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on an empirical study of 91 Austrian SMEs which covers a time period of ten years. Strategy formation was captured by an analysis of strategic intentions and corresponding actions in two surveys carried out in 1995 and 2003. Findings – The study finds no direct association between strategy formation and performance, though, emergent strategists had less often a growth orientation. Taking into account industry dynamics, shows, contrary to our expectations, that companies which employed an emergent market development strategy achieved higher sales growth in stable than in dynamic industries. Originality/value – The question of the superiority of planned vs emergent strategies has a long debate in strategy formation literature. The authors contribute to this question by investigating the role of different information sources for the formation of market and product innovation strategies and its impact on the performance in different environments over a ten-year time period.

scholarly journals Exploring and extending the synergy concept – a study of three acquisitions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Holtström ◽  
Helén Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dynamic Perspective ◽  
Acquisition Processes ◽  
A Company ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Managerial Perspective

Purpose This study aims to contribute with an extended framework on synergy realisation in acquisitions. The study conceptualises synergy realisation after acquisitions, in interaction with other companies in a business network and that synergy can be the result of both intended and not intended actions. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a company involved in acquisitions, being both the acquirer and the acquired. The data for analysis were collected through semi-structured interviews with managers involved in the described acquisition processes. The semi-structured interviews were guided by overarching themes to cover relevant areas of the described acquisitions. Findings This study develops a framework in which synergy is used as a concept in business networks. The framework offers a more dynamic perspective on acquisition processes and extends the view of acquisition performance beyond more financial and company internal aspects of acquisition processes. Further, the findings show that related companies such as customers and suppliers, play important roles in synergy realisation. Practical implications From a managerial perspective, the study shows the importance of understanding the underlying forces of integration processes. Originality/value The concept of synergy used in this study not only includes the companies integrated in an acquisition but also their business networks. Including the integrated companies and their business networks provides a more dynamic perspective from which to plan and realise synergy.

scholarly journals Conceptualizing Interactive Network Branding in business markets: developing roles and positions of firms in business networks

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1681-1691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolina Koporcic ◽  
Jan-Ake Tornroos
Keyword(s):  
Current Literature ◽  
Corporate Branding ◽  
Corporate Identity ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Business Markets ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Network Research ◽  
Interactive Network

Purpose This paper aims to present the concept of Interactive Network Branding (INB) in business markets. The INB conceptualization offers an understanding of corporate branding processes as an inherent part of business networking. More specifically, the paper focuses on the importance of INB for firms that are developing their roles and positions in business networks. Design/methodology/approach The conceptual paper reviews the extant literature on corporate branding in conjunction with business network research. This perspective adds to the current knowledge of business marketing by proposing a theoretical framework of INB. Findings The conceptualization of INB offers a specific network lens on corporate branding by presenting three INB dimensions. The first dimension deals with corporate identity; the second dimension deals with corporate reputation; the third, mutual INB dimension, presents an “interactive space” where branding and networking collide. These three dimensions are enacted by individuals acting on behalf of their companies, as key implementers of INB processes. Through the INB, strategic roles and positions of firms embedded in their business networks are formed. Research limitations/implications The paper contributes to current literature on business network research that has left a corporate brand perspective almost unnoticed. The INB concept also offers an extension to current literature on corporate branding, which has to date neglected business relationships and networking issues. Being strongly conceptual, the paper notes that empirical research is needed for observing the role of INB in real-life business encounters. Practical implications This study provides novel ideas and implications for firm representatives responsible for branding and relationship development in business networks. It denotes the critical role of individuals and their interactions with other individuals, which influences the development of specific network roles and positions for connected business entities. Originality/value The used multidisciplinary approach provides a conceptual platform to study branding processes in business networks. By offering a network perspective to corporate branding, new and relevant implications for both theory and practice are fore fronted.

Market investments in resource interfaces: understanding market assets in networks

IMP Journal ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frans Prenkert
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Production Network ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Interaction Approach ◽  
Point Of Departure ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of who forms what market assets by making what market investments in a business network. Design/methodology/approach To investigate what market investments were made by certain actors into resource interfaces as market assets, the author draws on a case network based on an investigation of the Chilean salmon production network. To this end, the author chose the fish – being the focal object resource in that network – as a point of departure. The author systematically investigates the resource interfaces that this resource has with three other specific resources: feed, fishmeal, and vaccines in a thick case study. Findings This study shows that market investments entail committing resources to resource interfaces which turns them into market assets. Resource interfaces as market assets have implications on how we characterize and value resource interfaces. Multilateral resource interfaces become valuable to firms as a result of continuous market investments made into them. This produces different types of resource interfaces, some of which are of mediatory character bridging between distant resources in a network. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on the market investments being made to create and sustain market assets. Of course such assets are linked to a firm’s internal assets which this study do not investigate. In addition, this study emphasizes the commitment of resources into existing resource interfaces, the ensuing creation of market assets, and its use and value for firms and downplays a firm’s need to account for market investments and the market investments required to create a new resource interface. Practical implications As resource interfaces are valuable market assets, it is important to understand the functioning of different types of resource interfaces so as to exploit their potential as efficient as possible. This paper shows that some resources act as bridging resources connecting the borders of two indirectly related resources. Controlling bridging resources becomes an essential task for managers in business networks. Social implications Understanding the market investments into resource interfaces enables firms to become more skilled in organizing and controlling networks. These networks can play important roles in the economic development of society and create improved societal conditions for people, organizations, and economies. Originality/value By combining a market investment and market asset conceptualization of investments in networks with a resource interaction approach, this paper provides an enhanced understanding of resource interfaces as market assets. Theoretical implications for our understanding of resource interfaces – its value and character – are discussed.

Does terrorism hamper FDI inflows? A pre and post 9/11 analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imtiaz Arif ◽  
Amna Sohail Rawat ◽  
Lubna Khan
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Sample Period ◽  
Fdi Inflows ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Estimates ◽  
Pooled Mean Group ◽  
Long Run ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis research intends to determine the role of terrorism in defying foreign direct investment (FDI) in top terror effected economies.Design/methodology/approachPanel data on FDI and terrorism from top terror effected economies spanning from 1987 to 2018 were used and the relationship for whole sample was investigated. Later the sample period was divided into pre (1987–2001) and post 9/11 (2002–2018) subsample and same relationship was tested to investigate the normalization of terror effect on FDI. The method of Pooled Mean Group (PMG) was used to test the hypothesis.FindingsThe results showed a negative but statistically insignificant impact of terrorism on the FDI inflows in the long run. Later the sample period was divided into pre (1987–2001) and post 9/11 (2002–2018) subsample. The empirical estimates for pre and post 9/11 periods indicated a negative and statistically significant relationship between terrorism and FDI for pre 9/11 period, and a negative but statistically insignificant relationship between the two variables for post 9/11 period.Originality/valueThe findings suggest several important policy implications for the terror affected countries and are further discussed in the study.

Dominant logics and the manager’s role in university business incubators

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 282-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Redondo ◽  
Carmen Camarero
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Institutional Logics ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Logic ◽  
Business Training ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Assistance ◽  
Dominant Logic ◽  
Dutch Universities

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the role of university business incubator managers as drivers of the training and advice given to academic incubatees. Based on the institutional logics approach, the current paper proposes that the dominant logic, academic versus commercial, determines the degree of emphasis on personal assistance, business assistance and networking training. Design/methodology/approach To test the proposed hypotheses, data were collected from 93 incubation programmes from Spanish and Dutch universities through questionnaires addressed to their respective managers, as well as clients. Findings The results indicate that the greater the managers’ experience in the business and entrepreneurial world, the greater the fostering of personal and business assistance and networking activities in the incubator. Managers lacking an entrepreneurial profile weaken incubatee access to other business networks and prove less efficient in business training. Originality/value This research makes a contribution to the study of university incubatees, showing that managers can be involved in different institutional logics, whether they be academic or commercial, and that the dominant logic determines the activities promoted and, consequently, the success of the incubation process. Business and entrepreneurial experience is key to instilling business logic in incubatees together with the training and assistance they require.

scholarly journals Understanding structures and practices of meaning-making in industrial networks

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 531-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sid Lowe ◽  
Michel Rod ◽  
Ki-Soon Hwang
Keyword(s):  
Cultural History ◽  
Figurative Language ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Business Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Marketing ◽  
Industrial Networks ◽  
History Of ◽  
Discursive Constructions

Purpose This paper aims to propose an approach for exploring industrial marketing network environments through a social semiotic lens. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper introduces social semiotic perspectives to the study of business/industrial network interaction. Findings This paper describes how structures of meaning derived from a cultural history of signification and interpretive processes of meaning in action are co-determined in social semiosis. The meaning of environments using this social semiotic approach is emphasised, leading us to explore the idea of the “atmosemiosphere” – the most highly complex business network level, in illustrating how meaning is made through structuration between structures of meaning and their enactments in interactions between actors within living business networks. Practical Implications Figurative language plays an important role in the structuration of meaning. This facilitates establishing plots and, therefore, in the actors’ capability to tell a story, which starts with knowing what kind of story can be told. By implication, the effective networker must be a consummate moving “picture maker” and, to do so, she must have competence in narrative, emplotment, myth-making, storytelling and figuration in more than one discursive repertoire. Originality/value In using a structurational discourse perspective informed by social semiotics, our original contribution is a “business networks as discursive constructions” approach, in that discursive nets, webs of narratives and stories and labyrinths of tropes are considered just as important in constituting networks as networks of actor relationships and patterns of other activities and resources.

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