Network Capabilities: Brokerage as a Bridge Between Network Theory and the Resource-Based View of the Firm

Journal of Management ◽

10.1177/0149206320988764 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 014920632098876

Author(s):

Ronald S. Burt ◽

Giuseppe Soda

Keyword(s):

Learning Curve ◽

Network Theory ◽

Core Concept ◽

Resource Based View ◽

Closed Networks ◽

Cross Fertilization ◽

Robust Response ◽

Tight Integration

We accomplish three tasks here: (a) We highlight the lack of cross-fertilization between research on network theory and the resource-based view of the firm (RBV). (b) We sketch by analogy what we believe should be a productive bridge between network brokerage as a core concept in network theory and integrating resources as a core concept in RBV. (c) Network brokerage quickly introduced, we distinguish and illustrate three levels to the proposed network-RBV analogy: tight integration of resources (closed networks for learning-curve efficiency), loose integration of resources (brokered clusters for resilience to market vicissitudes), and recombinatory integration of resources (broker leadership for innovation and robust response to market shock).

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Alliance Management as a Source of Competitive Advantage

Journal of Management ◽

10.1177/014920630202800308 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 413-446 ◽

Cited By ~ 620

Author(s):

R. Duane Ireland ◽

Michael A. Hitt ◽

Deepa Vaidyanath

Keyword(s):

Social Capital ◽

Competitive Advantage ◽

Strategic Alliances ◽

Network Theory ◽

Social Network Theory ◽

Resource Based View ◽

Transactions Cost ◽

Alliance Management ◽

Dynamic Landscape ◽

The Right

Strategic alliances are an important source of resources, learning, and thereby competitive advantage. Few firms have all of the resources needed to compete effectively in the current dynamic landscape. Thus, firms seek access to the necessary resources through alliances. We examine the management of strategic alliances using the theoretical frames of transactions cost, social network theory and the resource-based view. Alliances must be effectively managed for their benefits to be realized. Effective alliance management begins with selecting the right partner. Furthermore, alliances must be managed to build social capital and knowledge. To maximize cooperation among the partners, a trust-based relationship must be developed. Therefore, we conclude that managing alliances is crucial for firms to gain competitive advantage and create value with strategic alliances.

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A Systematic Review of Blockchain Literature in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Identifying Research Questions and Future Directions

Future Internet ◽

10.3390/fi12030060 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 60 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Sebastian Kummer ◽

David M. Herold ◽

Mario Dobrovnik ◽

Jasmin Mikl ◽

Nicole Schäfer

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Network Theory ◽

Relevant Research ◽

Future Directions ◽

Resource Based View ◽

Chain Management ◽

Blockchain Technology ◽

Organizational Theories ◽

Research Questions ◽

Theoretical Foundations

Potential blockchain applications in logistics and transport (LSCM) have gained increasing attention within both academia and industry. However, as a field in its infancy, blockchain research often lacks theoretical foundations, and it is not clear which and to what extent organizational theories are used to investigate blockchain technology in the field of LSCM. In response, based upon a systematic literature review, this paper: (a) identifies the most relevant organizational theories used in blockchain literature in the context of LSCM; and (b) examines the content of the identified organizational theories to formulate relevant research questions for investigating blockchain technology in LSCM. Our results show that blockchain literature in LSCM is based around six organizational theories, namely: agency theory, information theory, institutional theory, network theory, the resource-based view and transaction cost analysis. We also present how these theories can be used to examine specific blockchain problems by identifying blockchain-specific research questions that are worthy of investigation.

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