Data-Induced Rationality and Unitary Spaces in Interfirm Collaboration

2023 | Organization Science | Citations: 0

Authors: Cepa, Katharina; Schildt, Henri

Abstract: The real-time data transfer between collaborating companies allows them to repre ... Expand

Abstract: The real-time data transfer between collaborating companies allows them to represent and control activities across firm boundaries, providing new ways to organize collaborative efforts. We conducted an inductive multiple case study of five long-term relationships to examine the effects of data-intensive technologies on the organization and management of collaborative relationships in industrial companies. Our analysis shows how the delegation of digital activities into specialized digital units fostered data-driven mindsets and data-driven interactions that jointly formed a holistic data-induced rationality for managing the relationship. Together, the compartmentalization of digital collaboration and the data-induced rationalities turned these units into “unitary spaces,” organizational enclosures where structural tensions and competing demands were temporarily suspended to foster single-minded pursuit of collaborative short-term benefits for the partner company. Funding: The authors are grateful for the financial support from the Academy of Finland [Grant 274536]. Collapse

Topics: digital service interorganizational relationship big data problem solving analytical information system

Methods: qualitative interview computational algorithm theory development multiple case study qualitative coding

Theories: theory of affordance sociotechnical systems theory

Facilitating interorganizational trust in strategic alliances by leveraging blockchain-based systems: Case studies of two eastern banks

2023 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Chen, Renee Rui; Chen, Kun; Ou, Carol X.J.

Abstract: Strategic alliances require mutual trust and collaboration between organizations ... Expand

Abstract: Strategic alliances require mutual trust and collaboration between organizations. To increase alliance perfor­ mance, organizations in a strategic alliance are more likely to interpret each other’s equivocal behaviors in a positive way to sustain the stability of the relationship. Different from traditional mechanisms to build inter­ organizational trust, blockchain facilitates trust among alliance partners via its technology advantages, for example, public ledger and distributed consensus. The decentralized and distributed nature of a blockchainbased system assures that no single organization can add information to the chain without an approval from the alliance, nor can it make unilateral changes in the system. Drawing from the Affordance Theory, we propose an exploratory research design to understand the structure of a blockchain-based system, as well as how this blockchain-based system influences interorganizational trust in a strategic alliance and how blockchain-enabled interorganizational trust influences alliance performance. The case studies of two eastern banks indicate that the technical features of blockchain can help reduce equivocal behaviors and improve interorganizational trust. We discuss the findings and conclude the paper with implications. Collapse

Topics: blockchain affordance user experience usability smart contract

Methods: qualitative interview case study design artifact conceptual modelling computational algorithm

Theories: theory of affordance

Bridging the Gap: Evidence from the Return Migration of African Scientists

2023 | Organization Science | Citations: 0

Authors: Fry, Caroline Viola

Abstract: Although prior research has highlighted the benefits that accrue to brokers in i ... Expand

Abstract: Although prior research has highlighted the benefits that accrue to brokers in innovation networks, much less attention is devoted to understanding who benefits from associating with a broker. This study focuses on the impact of associating with a specific kind of broker—a core/periphery bridge—that is, one that spans central and peripheral actors. I argue that actors associated with a core/periphery bridge benefit more when they have no central connection, or are outsiders in the network, due to their greater need for sponsorship from the broker. I explore this idea in the context of the return migration of American-trained scientists to African institutions, who span the core and the periphery of the global scientific network. I evaluate the impact of their return on the publication outcomes of nonmigrant scientists based in African institutions and find that following the arrival of a returnee in their institution, the nonmigrants who are not already connected to scientists in top global institutions have a greater publication output through improved access to central knowledge and connections. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how brokers can influence innovation systems more broadly. Supplemental Material: The online appendices available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.1580. Collapse

Topics: IT career social capital accounting anonymity interorganizational relationship

Methods: longitudinal research robustness check descriptive statistic experimental group regression analysis method

A Values-based Approach to Understanding Corporate- Stakeholder Interactions

2023 | Group Decision and Negotiation | Citations: 0

Authors: Kleinman, Gary; Palmon, Dan

Abstract: This paper develops a model of focal firm-stakeholder interactions incorporating ... Expand

Abstract: This paper develops a model of focal firm-stakeholder interactions incorporating the values of each party and the possible impact of incomplete contracts between them. The paper offers a values-based analysis of the forces driving the interaction between the parties. Firms exist in a web of perceived obligations and rights. We argue that entities in firm-stakeholder relationships have operational goals supported by terminal and instrumental values that affect the way that the parties behave and interact with others. Since various parties to an interaction may have different values and goals, this model allows for strategic interactions. While some relationships are bound by law or contract, others are not. Thus, the outcome cannot be prescribed with certainty, so an important question is whether the desired outcomes can be enforced. We draw upon contract theory to explore these issues, noting that performance under any contract is problematic since it cannot be assured in advance. We argue that the determinants of outcomes between the focal firm and its stakeholder groups are affected by the values and goals of each entity, while the nature of the contracts between them and the environment within which the interactions occur influence what can be achieved. Collapse

Topics: accounting systems design climate change environmental sustainability interorganizational relationship

Methods: survey

Theories: contract theory game theory social network theory

Multi-tier Supply Chain Complexity and Buyer Performance in ICT Industry

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Li Liu, Kara; Ozpolat, Koray; Shin, Seung Kyoon

Abstract: The characteristics of suppliers in multi-tier supply chains have drawn more at ... Expand

Abstract: The characteristics of suppliers in multi-tier supply chains have drawn more attention recently in the postpandemic age. Due to the increasing reliance on suppliers, information-communication technology (ICT) buying firms expect to map out their upstream suppliers to identify the characteristics of those suppliers, which might affect their performance. In this paper, we utilize horizontal, vertical, and spatial complexities to examine how complex characteristics of the first-and second-tier suppliers affect the ICT buying firms' financial performance. Our empirical test shows that ICT buying firms' sales growth is affected by multitier suppliers from different industries. Our results bring insights into the role of multi-tier suppliers and their effects on ICT buying firms' financial performance. The research findings contribute to the literature on the complexity of multi-tier supply chains. We also provide practical implications for managers from ICT firms to improve their decision-making and collaboration with multi-tier suppliers. Collapse

Topics: financial performance supply chain management computer hardware decision making database system

Methods: Capital IQ network analysis

Theories: complexity theory

Leveraging Ambidexterity in a Digital Platform Ecosystem: Insights from a Complementor’s Perspective

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Vieru, Dragos; Plugge, Albert; Bourdeau, Simon

Abstract: This case study explores ambidextrous practices of a complementor firm within a ... Expand

Abstract: This case study explores ambidextrous practices of a complementor firm within a Microsoft-owned digital platform ecosystem (DPE). We draw on organizational ambidexterity and social mechanisms as lenses to analyze how a complementor deals with paradoxical practices of exploration and exploitation in the context of a DPE. By identifying deep structures and surface structures and their related social mechanisms we shed light on the role of ambidextrous complementors in a DPE. Our analysis implies that the identified social mechanisms illustrate how the complementor creates new ideas with other DPE actors to nurture capability development (exploration) and how these ideas are transformed into practice (exploitation). In addition, our findings imply that the complementor’s support of a platform contributes to an increased commitment to the platform owner. Collapse

Topics: innovation management digital ecosystem knowledge sharing telephone electronic mail

Methods: qualitative interview field study triangulation case study personal interview

Theories: ambidexterity theory

Exploring the effects of relationship quality and c-commerce behavior on firms' dynamic capability and c-commerce performance in the supply chain management context

2023 | Decision Support Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Wang, Wei-Tsong; Lin, Ying-Lien; Chen, Ting-Jun

Abstract: Although previous studies indicate the critical role of collaborative commerce ( ... Expand

Abstract: Although previous studies indicate the critical role of collaborative commerce (c-commerce) adoption and dy­ namic capability in the supply chain process, they have not addressed the relationship between c-commerce behavior and dynamic capability. By adopting the commitment-trust theory and the dynamic capability view, this study empirically examines the effects of relationship quality, c-commerce behavior, and dynamic capability on c-commerce performance. Survey data collected from 257 professionals in various manufacturing industries were analyzed using the partial least squares technique. The findings suggest that c-commerce behavior and dynamic capability are positively associated with c-commerce performance. However, negative calculative commitment does not positively affect c-commerce behavior. Moreover, institution-based trust does not nega­ tively affect negative calculative commitment. This study is one of few studies investigating the relationships among the variables that contribute to c-commerce performance. The findings can serve as references for practitioners in supply chain practices. Collapse

Topics: supply chain management interorganizational relationship marketing management innovation management digital innovation

Methods: survey statistical hypothesis test descriptive statistic data transformation factor analysis

Theories: dynamic capabilities theory commitment-trust theory

Digital Interorganizational Collaboration

2022 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Dixon, Jeffrey; Brohman, Kathryn

Abstract: How can digital technology enable flexible interorganizational collaborations ( ... Expand

Abstract: How can digital technology enable flexible interorganizational collaborations (IOCs)?This study investigates a challenge facing firms seeking to build highly flexible interfirm relationships to remain competitive in the digital age. It explores how flexible IOCs characterized by changing goals, organizations and organizational actors can leverage digital technology to rapidly generate interorganizational dynamic capabilities (IDCs) in the absence of pre-existing routines. Using multiple case studies of COVID-19 task forces in the US and Canada, we observe how digital generativity derives from a diverse and changing set of digital tools used together to respond to a rapidly changing environment. In doing so, this study extends digital generativity beyond digital platforms into more flexible applications of digital technology. This approach addresses a central problem in the IOC literature: how organizations competing in the digital age can shift their strategic focus from competition to collaboration (Gkeredakis & Constantinides 2019). Collapse

Topics: pandemic video conference information system use interorganizational relationship human resource management

Methods: qualitative interview grounded theory longitudinal research case study theory development

Theories: dynamic capabilities theory

Socially Irresponsible Employment in Emerging-Market Manufacturers

2022 | Organization Science | Citations: 0

Authors: Distelhorst, Greg; McGahan, Anita

Abstract: Are socially irresponsible employment practices, such as abusive discipline and ... Expand

Abstract: Are socially irresponsible employment practices, such as abusive discipline and wage theft, systematically tied to manufacturing outcomes in emerging-market countries? Drawing on a stream of stakeholder theory that emphasizes economic interdependencies and insights from the fields of industrial relations and human resource management, we argue that working conditions within a firm are facets of a systemic approach to value creation and value appropriation. Some manufacturers operate “low road” systems that rest on harmful practices. Others operate “high road” systems in which the need to develop employees’ human capital deters socially irresponsible employment practices. To test the theory, we conduct a large-scale study of labor violations and manufacturing outcomes by analyzing data on over four thousand export-oriented small manufacturers in 48 emerging-market countries. The analysis demonstrates that socially irresponsible employment practices are associated with inferior firm-level manufacturing outcomes even after controlling for the effects of firm size, industry, product mix, production processes, host country, destination markets, and buyer mix. The theory and results suggest an opportunity for multinational corporations to improve corporate social performance in global value chains by encouraging their suppliers to transition to systems of value creation that rely on the development of worker human capital. Funding: A. McGahan received funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council [Grant 435-2016-0075]. Collapse

Topics: human resource management supply chain management value creation productivity manufacturing information system

Methods: theory development descriptive statistic robustness check statistical hypothesis test regression analysis method

Theories: stakeholder theory theory of economic development

Nested Configurations of Interorganizational Information Systems: Observations in the German Furniture Industry

2022 | HICSS | Citations: 2

Authors: Frick, Norbert

Abstract: Interorganizational information systems (IOIS) support inter-company processes i ... Expand

Abstract: Interorganizational information systems (IOIS) support inter-company processes in the German furniture industry for more than 25 years. Still, there are deficiencies in process integration and differences in IOIS infrastructures. New market participants struggle to adopt the right IOIS for their purposes. Current adoption models lack to understand and manage IOIS adoption on an industry level. Lyytinen and Damsgaard's configurational analysis for IOIS adoption considers enterprise networks as configurations of interorganizational integration that correspond to a stable pattern of cooperation forms. The configuration analysis is applied in the German furniture industry to identify and explain factors that influence an IOIS adoption decision and constitute stable IOIS configurations. Data collection in two industry segments shows four configuration types in 17 configurations characterized by 39 influencing factors. New market participants must consider the adoption of several IOIS at once in so-called nested configurations to gain access to all relevant exchange relations. Collapse

Topics: data management interorganizational relationship interorganizational system

Methods: qualitative interview literature study personal interview multiple case study cluster analysis