The town of bent necks: interorganizational causes and consequences of relational rivalry

PurposeThis study aims at developing a conceptual framework for the networking behaviour of firms having relational and non-relational competitive interactions. Initially the question of how negative ties change the meaning of competition for the rival firms was discussed and then how these types of interactions can change possible networking preferences of organizations were theoretically estimated.Design/methodology/approachThis study suggests that relational rivalry is closely linked with negative ties and even the emergence of strong positive ties among firms is viewed as a consequence of dyadic negative interactions. Different types of competitive conditions were classified under non-relational and relational categories.FindingsNot applicable.Originality/valueA majority of the studies on interorganizational networks are mostly concerned with positive tie formation patterns and the consequences of these interactions. However, there is limited number of macro-level studies, which realized explanatory potential of the negative interfirm relations. Negative interorganizational relations may also make significant contributions to the discipline of economic sociology.

Capabilities and skills to orchestrate innovation networks

Purpose This study aims to present a theoretical analysis on the capabilities (at the organizational) and skills (at the individual level) of the hub organization (orchestrator) in an innovation network. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted literature reviews on the orchestration of innovation networks; and networking capabilities. Findings This study presents a theoretical model and a research agenda. Originality/value In interorganizational relations, a central actor can stand out the role of intentionally creating, extracting and distributing value in the network, generating gains for all members. Literature recognizes this set of intentional and deliberate actions as the “orchestration” of resources in the network. Despite the increasing interest regarding the theme, the phases and specific capabilities for orchestration still lack further investigation.

Strategic alignment, process improvements and public value in public-private IT outsourcing in Mexico

PurposeThe authors propose a conceptual model that explains how interorganizational relations in public-private IT outsourcing (ITO) may enhance public value in public administrations through process improvement.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is based on the development of a theoretical framework based on the integration of transaction cost theory (TCT) and the resource-based view (RBV), and empirical interview data from IT managers in state and local governments in Mexico.FindingsFirst, public-private ITO does produce specific process improvements in Mexico's public administration given its specific institutional context. Second, public value depends on the alignment between the characteristics of IT project activities and the attributes of outsourcing as a mode of governance. Third, process improvements moderate this relation. Fourth, relevant process improvements are identified on an empirical basis, showing the importance of institutional conditions in the determination of public value through interorganizational relationships in the public sector.Practical implicationsThe authors suggest new roles for public managers as orchestrators of interorganizational relations, and specify the orientation relevant process improvements could take in a specific institutional context.Originality/valueThrough this study, it is possible to gain both theoretical and practical understanding of process improvements in public administrations to enhance public value.

INTERORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING AND ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY: EMPIRICAL RESEARCH IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

ABSTRACT Purpose: This research analyzes the influence of interorganizational learning (IOL) on the absorptive (Acap), potential (Pacap) and realized (Racap) capacities on the environment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Originality/value: The study contributed to the understanding and expansion of IOL research operationalized through the elements of Acap. The understanding of these elements are fundamental for the development of competencies of SMEs from Brazil and/or emerging countries embedded on dynamic sectors and high technology mobility to adapt and develop new dynamic capabilities. Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted by a survey with a sample of 215 organizations of the information technology and communication (ITC) sector in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. Findings: The results showed that the relationships of IOL influence the development of new capabilities and have a strong influence over absorptive capacity development. The organizations ability to acquire, assimilate, apply and internalize the available knowledge in the sector through interorganizational relations was fundamental for their adaptation and survival.

Influences of Intermediation of Support Institutions on Innovativeness and Organizational Performance

Purpose: Identify the influence of relationships with support institutions on innovativeness and organizational performance. Theoretical framework: The innovation intermediaries are organizations that act as a link between those involved in the innovation process and whose purpose is to develop the innovative aspects of organizations. Although studies have pointed out the importance of relationships with support institutions for the development of innovation, the present study investigated the role of these institutions as intermediary actors in the innovation process.Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted. The Methodi Ordinatio Index was used as a protocol. In order to identify the most central theoretical approaches in the studies, as well to map the interactions between these approaches, the Social Network Analysis - SNA technique was used.Findings: The relationship with support institutions increases access to non-redundant contacts; these, in its turn, influence innovativeness. The performance of these actors as intermediaries will only influence innovativeness in the circumstances in which the idiosyncrasy of these institutions does not prevent or makes impossible access to non-redundant contacts.Originality/value: The study contributed with literature from the fields of interorganizational relations, innovation and strategy by identifying the theoretical approaches in which the role of innovation support organizations is inserted, as well as by identifying the influence for access to non-redundant contacts, relevant to the innovation process; in addition, theoretical propositions and a research agenda are presented.

Use of target-costing and kaizen-costing to ensure effective cost management in interorganizational relations of agribusiness organizations

The article, based on the theoretical analysis, gives definitions of inter-organizational cooperation, inter-organizational management accounting, cost calculation system within the framework of interorganizational relations. Peculiarities of calculation of cost of interorganizational cooperation are disclosed, accounting practices of target-costing and kaisen-costing calculating system are described. The advantages of introducing and using inter-organizational accounting and a cost calculation system based on target costing and kaisen costing have been identified. Possible problem areas are identified when introducing these calculation systems into the practical activities of agro-formations.

COOPERAÇÃO, COMPETIÇÃO E COOPETIÇÃO NAS RELAÇÕES ENTRE PEQUENOS FEIRANTES DE UM AGLOMERADO DE VAREJO EM ARACAJU-SE

RESUMOEsta pesquisa teve como objetivo central identificar os fatores formadores da cooperação, competição e coopetição provenientes dos relacionamentos existentes entre pequenos feirantes do aglomerado alimentício do Mercado Municipal Maria Virgínia Leite Franco, considerado um cluster planejado localizado na cidade de Aracaju-SE. Para isso, foi desenvolvido um estudo descritivo de natureza quantitativa por meio da Análise Fatorial Exploratória (AFE). O instrumento foi aplicado com 120 lojistas pertencentes ao cluster. Como resultado, no construto cooperação/colaboração foram identificados dois fatores: Ações Conjuntas (AC) e Troca de Informações (TI). Quanto ao construto competição, foram identificados três fatores: Concorrência (CONC), Comportamento Oportunista (CO) e Competitividade do Aglomerado (CA). Por fim, no construto coopetição identificaram-se quatro fatores, a saber: Localização (LOC), Desenvolvimento da empresa (DE), Colaboração (COL) e Relacionamentos Interorganizacionais (RIOS). Conclui-se que a causalidade dos relacionamentos cooperativos, competitivos e coopetitivos são provenientes de uma ação humana, para manterem-se no mercado, e não uma estratégica planejada.Palavras-chave: Aglomerações varejistas. Clusters. Coopetição. ABSTRACTThe main objective of this research was to identify the factors that make up the cooperation, competition and coopetition arising from the relationships between small fairants stalls of the Maria Virgínia Leite Franco Municipal Market, considered a planned cluster located in the city of Aracaju-SE. For this, a descriptive study of quantitative nature was developed through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The instrument was applied at 120 tenants belonging to the cluster. As a result, in the cooperation construct, two factors were identified: Joint Actions (CA) and Information Exchange (IT). Regarding the competition construct, three factors were identified: Competition (CONC), Opportunistic Behavior (CO) and Cluster Competitiveness (CA). Finally, in the coopetition construct, four factors were identified, namely: Location (LOC), Company Development (DE), Collaboration (COL) and Interorganizational Relations (RIOS). It is concluded that the causality of cooperative, competitive and coopetitive relationships comes from a human action, to remain in the market and not planned strategic.Keywords: Retail agglomerations. Clusters. Coopetition.

Cross-Sector Collaboration for a Healthy Living Environment—Which Strategies to Implement, Why, and in Which Context?

Background: Working toward a healthy living environment requires organizations from different policy domains and nongovernment partners involved in public health and the living environment to collaborate across sectors. The aim of this study is to understand how this cross-sector collaboration for a healthy living environment can be achieved. Methods: The realist evaluation approach was used to investigate what strategies can be used in which contexts to achieve cross-sector collaboration. The “Collaborative Adaptive Health Networks” framework was used as a theoretical framework. Seventeen partners of three Dutch projects collaborating for a healthy living environment in different regions were interviewed about their experiences during the initiating phase of their projects. Results: Seven themes for achieving cross-sector collaboration were identified, namely creating a feeling of equivalence, building trust, bridging different perspectives, providing clarity regarding roles and tasks, creating commitment, creating active engagement, and understanding whom to engage and when. For each theme, the strategies that were used, and why, were specified. Conclusion: This study provides new insights in how cross-sector collaboration for a healthy living environment can be achieved in different contexts. Whether the start of a cross-sectoral collaboration is successful is largely influenced by the choice of leadership and the interorganizational relations.