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Article
Publication date: 2 December 2019

Artur Swierczek

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether brokered network governance, run by the manufacturer, affects relational embeddedness and thus contributes to yielding the Coleman

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether brokered network governance, run by the manufacturer, affects relational embeddedness and thus contributes to yielding the Coleman rent in the triadic supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon the theoretical tenets of transaction cost analysis, complemented by the underpinnings of social capital theory, this study involves an empirical investigation that uses survey data collected from the triadic supply chains in Europe. The research covers a two-step analysis. In the first step, the Coleman rent was estimated through the regression analysis with the interaction effects. Then, partial least squares–structural equation modeling was used to estimate the reflective-formative nature of higher component model and test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the study demonstrate that the distribution of three mechanisms in network governance is relatively even; however, market and hierarchy still emerge as the most impactful dimensions. Interestingly, though, this study shows that social capital can actually coexist with market and hierarchy in the triadic supply chains with the structural hole. Likewise, the research indicates that the impact of brokered network governance on the strength of network relational embeddedness is significant, but relatively weak, whereas network relational embeddedness has a strong and positive effect on the Coleman rent.

Research limitations/implications

This study makes three major contributions. First, this study is one of very few that explicitly considers brokered network governance, run by the manufacturer positioned on the structural hole in its triadic supply chain. Second, as the triadic perspective is still uncommon in the supply chain studies, this research investigates a triad with the structural hole within the manufacturing setting. Third, the paper seeks to investigate the ability to yield the Coleman rent in the triadic supply chains with the structural hole, although this type of rent is typically linked to another arrangement called closure.

Originality/value

Given the increasing attention paid to the role of social capital within supply chains, this study investigates how relational embeddedness can be used by the manufacturer, sitting on the structural hole and running the network governance mechanism, to yield the Coleman rent in the triadic supply chain.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2019

Artur Swierczek

This study aims to investigate the link between manufacturer relational embeddedness, manufacturer influence and supplier-customer relational embeddedness and their resulting…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the link between manufacturer relational embeddedness, manufacturer influence and supplier-customer relational embeddedness and their resulting impact on the network rent.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging the theoretical lens of social exchange theory and the relational view and utilizing the survey data derived from the transitional triadic supply chains, the authors used multiple regression analysis and the partial least squares (PLS) path model. The regression analysis with interaction effects is used to indicate the network rent, while the PLS path model is applied to investigate the link between manufacturer relational embeddedness, manufacturer influence and supplier-customer relational embeddedness and their subsequent impact on the network rent.

Findings

The authors empirically establish that manufacturer relational embeddedness, as a higher-order factor, can comprise both upstream and downstream relational embeddedness. The research also demonstrates that manufacturer relational embeddedness significantly contributes to the manufacturer’s eagerness to form a direct link between the supplier and the customer, and the manufacturers report a significant ability to affect this relationship. Likewise, the study shows that supplier-customer relational embeddedness significantly and positively affects the network rent. In addition, the study implies that supplier-customer relational embeddedness is a mediator between manufacturer influence and the network rent, while manufacturer influence is a suppressor variable, which increases the negative relationship between manufacturer relational embeddedness and supplier-customer relational embeddedness.

Research limitations/implications

The research makes three key contributions. First, this study, as one of very few, simultaneously embraces context, intervention, mechanism and outcome, while investigating the role of manufacturer (its relational embeddedness and influence) in promoting supplier-customer relational embeddedness, and its resulting effect on the network rent. Further on, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirically based study that demonstrates to what extent the manufacturer is capable of fostering supplier-customer relational embeddedness, thus favoring the transposition from the intransitive into the transitive triadic supply chains. Finally, to date, the concept of network rent has been mostly conceptualized as the theoretical construct with no empirical evidence. This research offers guidance for manufacturers in managing the relationships between the supplier and the customer to yield the highest network rent.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel approach to investigating the role of manufacturer and relational embeddedness in yielding the network rent in the transitional triadic supply chains.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2017

Nobuya Fukugawa

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether bonding and bridging social capital of professional athletes affect their performance and whether the impacts vary according to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether bonding and bridging social capital of professional athletes affect their performance and whether the impacts vary according to their life cycle stages.

Design/methodology/approach

This study establishes an unbalanced panel of motorboat racers in Japan, and estimates a fixed-effects negative binomial regression model to analyze determining factors in the number of wins in a final, focusing on not only physical factors but also social capital.

Findings

Bridging social capital, measured by the number of racers in the same regional division, has no impact on performance. Bonding social capital, measured by the number of racers who graduated the training institute in the same period, has positive impacts on performance. This positive effect is more salient among racers who are less experienced, and thus need to extract benefits from social capital to augment limited internal resources.

Originality/value

This study adds statistical evidence to previous literature on the contingency theory that different types of social capital have different impacts on performance under different environments.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 44 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 October 2013

Jifeng Mu

Prior research suggests that insufficient networking capability of a firm (i.e. the capability to establish, maintain, and leverage ties, contacts and connections) poses a…

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Abstract

Purpose

Prior research suggests that insufficient networking capability of a firm (i.e. the capability to establish, maintain, and leverage ties, contacts and connections) poses a potential barrier to its growth, the causal logic of networking capability and firm performance has not been fully articulated and a clear link between network resources and networking capability, however, remains to be demonstrated. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptually and theoretically, the paper emphasizes the importance of networking capability in network resources mobilization and deployment, innovation and rent-seeking and argues that the firm should build strong networking capability to creatively and artfully manage its networks to sustain its vitality.

Findings

The paper builds a theoretical model relating networking capability, network resources, open innovation, and resulting new venture success and economic rents. The paper argues that new ventures should build and leverage networking capability to manage network relationships and resources to innovate, develop and create value, and appropriate various types of economic rent.

Research limitations/implications

The framework generally promoted building networking capability as a means of accessing to a broader range of network resources and opportunities than a new venture is able to maintain internally for innovation and growth, the benefits may not be so clear-cut. A useful future research direction would be to determine empirically the relationship between networking capability and new ventures' survival and growth, the extent to which new ventures are able to derive economic rents from exploiting networking capability, and how this is related to the degrees of competitive success they attain.

Practical implications

The research framework suggests that networking capability can help new ventures to take advantage of opportunities discovered and serve unexploited markets. The study implies that networking capability can be a powerful weapon for new ventures to implement open innovation strategy to build solid growth businesses and to gain sustainable competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The paper develops a parsimonious model that links new venture survival and success with networking capability, network resources and open innovation. Also, this model shows why and how new ventures can leverage networking capability to generate and appropriate economic rent simultaneously.

Details

Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 April 2020

Artur Swierczek

First, the paper aims to explore the ability of the actor sitting on the structural hole to achieve the additional rent, which is modeled as the outcome of joint effect between…

Abstract

Purpose

First, the paper aims to explore the ability of the actor sitting on the structural hole to achieve the additional rent, which is modeled as the outcome of joint effect between the relational performances of two dyads (supplier–buyer and buyer–customer) within the triadic supply chains. Second, the paper seeks to empirically compare the value of additional rent among different structural hole states of triadic supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon the theoretical tenets of social capital theory, complemented by the underpinnings of relational view, this research uses survey data gathered from the triadic supply chains in Europe. To conduct necessary processing, the multivariate statistical analyses have been performed.

Findings

The findings suggest that the rent is actually yielded by the actors bridging the structural hole in the triadic supply chain; however, its value, as evidenced in the study, is diverse regarding the specific structural hole state. More specifically, the highest value of rent is generated by the buyer establishing cooperative posture of both dyads in the triadic supply chains. The value of rent close to zero is revealed in the triadic supply chains with negative relational posture of both dyads. Interestingly, the lowest level of rent produced by the buyer from bridging the structural hole is reported with the triadic supply chains in which one dyad demonstrates a more cooperative relational posture, whereas the other one indicates an adversarial relational posture. Not only does this result suggest that there is no rent, but it even goes further to indicate a negative return (or loss) derived by the manufacturer in this group of triadic supply chains.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the relational posture, either strong or weak; therefore, it would be worthwhile to examine a wider spectrum of behaviors, based on the adversarial relationships, deprived of mutual trust, when both actors in a dyad act opportunistically and antagonistically. Moreover, regarding the research method used, the case study is usually deemed to be more appropriate to deeply grasp the complex issues of social behavior. Finally, caution should also be exercised while generalizing the results obtained from the research.

Practical implications

For practicing supply chain managers, this study points that that it is likely that both actors collaborating with the buyer (the supplier and the customer) also enjoy additional benefits offered by the rent. Importantly for managers, regardless of the effort made by the focal actor, the careless attitude and independence of suppliers and customers may make it hard or even impossible for the buyer to establish triads that include relationships of high quality.

Social implications

In terms of social implications, this study brings to the fore that not only are the buyers driven by self-interest but they may be also guided by ethical and social rules when interacting with suppliers and customers in their triads. This research evidenced that the buyer in the triadic supply chain can act as the moderator that tends to simultaneously establish a strong relational posture to two other actors in such a way that the joint effect of relational performance generated by both dyads significantly contributes to the higher level of buyer’s individual performance.

Originality/value

The study investigates whether and how establishing relational posture of two dyads in the triadic supply chains can affect the additional rent for the buyer derived from bridging the structural hole.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 May 2022

Artur Swierczek

This study considers transitive service triads, which consist of three dyads formed by three actors: supplier, logistics service provider and customer, who remain directly linked…

Abstract

Purpose

This study considers transitive service triads, which consist of three dyads formed by three actors: supplier, logistics service provider and customer, who remain directly linked by one or more of the upstream and downstream flows of products, information and finances. This paper aims to explore the link between information governance, decentralized information technologies and supply chain self-organization, and their resulting impact on network performance in the transitive service triads.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the tenets of the theory of complex adaptive systems and supply chain practice view, this paper involves an empirical investigation that uses survey data gathered from transitive service triads in the European countries. The study uses partial least squares structural equation modeling to estimate the formative-reflective hierarchical component model and test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Information governance defines how supply chain information flows are controlled, accessed and used by a focal organization and its business partners. As empirically evidenced in this study, it can be depicted as a latent construct consisting of three distinct dimensions of information custody, information ownership and right to data access. Likewise, the study also indicates that supply chain self-organization, as a second-order construct, consists of three interactive self-organization actions undertaken by specific firms participating in the triadic arrangement. Supply chain self-organization is thus produced by firms that are reciprocally interrelated and interacting, having effects on one another. Furthermore, the study also highlights that information governance creates an environment for applying decentralized information technologies, which then positively affects supply chain self-organization. Finally, the research also empirically operationalizes the construct of network performance within the transitive service triads.

Research limitations/implications

Although the results provide several major contributions to theory and implications for practitioners, the study still demonstrates some methodological constraints. Specifically, although the study uses a relatively large research sample of 350 transitive service triads, it still focuses only on a selected group of industries and is limited to investigating solely a particular type of service triads.

Originality/value

Given the increasing interest in investigating triads, this study examines how information governance and decentralized information technologies support supply chain self-organization to yield network performance in transitive service triads.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Dan Li and Jianjun Yang

Previous studies have illustrated that relational embeddedness is an important factor in alliance governance, but the homogeneity of it turned out to be an obstacle in the path of…

Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies have illustrated that relational embeddedness is an important factor in alliance governance, but the homogeneity of it turned out to be an obstacle in the path of alliance governance research. In light of this theoretical gap, the purpose of this study is to answering the following questions: Is relational embeddedness homogeneous? How does dual relational embeddedness and inter-firm trust influence alliance governance (especially the equity governance)?

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the perspective of transaction cost economics, there is traditional “transaction characteristics-prevention cost-alliance governance” framework from Williamson. In this study, we firstly introduce relational embeddedness and inter-firm trust into new model as moderating variable which based on the primary hypotheses in traditional framework; secondly, from the social network view, we analysis the dual nature of relational embeddedness and inter-firm trust. Thirdly, the authors refine the above moderating effect from different type of relational embeddedness and inter-firm trust. The authors conduct empirical analyses based on survey data of 328 Chinese manufacturing enterprises, and multiple regression analyses were used to test the above mentioned moderating effect.

Findings

The results show: ERE (economic relational embeddedness) and SRE (social relational embeddedness), respectively, lead to deterrence-based trust and knowledge-based trust. The ERE and deterrence-based trust strengthen the tendency towards hierarchical equity cooperation, while SRE and knowledge-based trust weaken the likelihood of equity cooperation choices being made.

Research limitations/implications

This study has made some encouraging progress, but there are still some problems and elements worthy of further study. First, from the view of independent variables, the authors did not include any transaction characteristics (such as asset co-specificity) in our integrated model. Secondly, and most importantly, the authors found some variables outside the analysis framework (such as whether involving R&D or core technology). After interaction with these variables, it is possible that the moderating role of relational embeddedness and trust, and especially the effects of SRE and KBT on equity cooperative governance, may be reversed.

Practical implications

Inter-firm cooperation is an important and special organization, which can joint interdependent resources to create value. This paper provides suggestions to Chinese enterprises which could help them realize the duality of relationship character and how to properly implement alliance governance. It helps enterprises to realize that relational embeddedness is not homogeneous and clarify the relationship between inter-firm trust and alliance governance. This research indicates the firm manager that effective alliance governance comes from appropriate relational embeddedness and inter-firm trust.

Originality/value

Overall, three contributions emerge: first, the authors construct a relational embeddedness and classical framework that overcomes the traditional deficiencies of being static and one-sided. Secondly, the forward research of dual embeddedness and trust improves the relational embeddedness theory and provides new ideas for subsequent research. Last but not least, the research clearly indicates that ambidextrous relational embeddedness leads to ambidextrous trust, which not only refines the existing research into trust mechanisms, but also clarifies the relationship between trust and alliance governance.

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2021

Chandrasekararao Seepana, Ahmad Khraishi, Antony Paulraj and Fahian Anisul Huq

This study aims to investigate how contract complexity and relational trust could impact offshore outsourcing innovation (OOI) performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how contract complexity and relational trust could impact offshore outsourcing innovation (OOI) performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study further examines the moderating effects of knowledge routines and joint actions on the relationships between contract complexity, as well as relational trust and OOI performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical investigation extends transaction cost economics and the relational view of buyer-supplier dyads in the context of offshore outsourcing SMEs. To test the hypotheses, the authors collected and analysed survey data from 200 European manufacturing SMEs that have existing offshore supplier relationships.

Findings

The results suggest that both complex contracts and relational trust as governance structures positively affect SMEs’ OOI performance. Additionally, while both formal knowledge routines and joint actions help strengthen the relationship between complex contracts and OOI, they showed no significant moderating effect on the relationship between relational trust and OOI. Furthermore, based on the results, the authors also develop a governance framework covering four configurations – fit, firm, flexible and fragile (4F).

Originality/value

The 4F governance scenarios – fit, firm, flexible and fragile – introduced in this study emphasise the need for a combination of contract complexity and relational trust mechanisms in OOI relationships. The 4F labelling has rich implications for practitioners on how interfirm outsourcing innovation relationships can be managed based on configurations of contractual and relational governance. The study also adds to the understanding of how SMEs’ specific characteristics (e.g. resource shortcomings and flexibility) may influence their OOI decisions in comparison with large firms.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2022

Artur Swierczek

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it aims to explore the link between the industry 4.0 technologies, supply chain emergence and their resulting impact on relational…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it aims to explore the link between the industry 4.0 technologies, supply chain emergence and their resulting impact on relational performance in the transitive service triads. Second, the study also seeks to recognize the role of supply chain emergence as a mediator between the industry 4.0 technologies and relational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in the complex adaptive system theory and supply chain practice view, the author developed an empirical model, estimated through survey-based research. Data derived from 350 transitive service triads were fed into the partial least squares structural equation model to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that the industry 4.0 technologies have a positive effect on supply chain emergence in the transitive service triads. Likewise, the research demonstrates that supply chain emergence has a positive effect on relational performance in triads. When estimating the model mediation, the author also found that supply chain emergence fully mediates the relationship between the industry 4.0 technologies and relational performance.

Research limitations/implications

First, it would be worthwhile to consider a detailed investigation of the effect of specific industry 4.0 technologies to obtain self-organization of actors and emergence. Moreover, it would also be interesting to further develop the methods for investigating variation in relational performance across the entire range of performance in triads. Finally, although the issue of relational performance has been relatively well explored within a dyadic setting, the author suggests pursuing the investigation on relational performance at the triadic level.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the theory of supply chain management and provides significant managerial implications on the role of the industry 4.0 technologies in obtaining supply chain emergence and producing relational performance in the transitive service triads.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1989

D. Coleman

Examines the relationship between the Government and privatehousing associations within the framework of rented housing reform.Identifies the factors which limit housing…

Abstract

Examines the relationship between the Government and private housing associations within the framework of rented housing reform. Identifies the factors which limit housing associations and may prevent later more genuinely private sector involvement in low‐cost rented housing provision. Concludes that the finance of housing associations should be carefully watched in the light of recent legislation intended to implement the Government′s Manifesto.

Details

Property Management, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

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