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Article
Publication date: 2 February 2023

Alessandro Zardini, Lamin B. Ceesay, Cecilia Rossignoli and Raj Mahto

To further extend the understanding of the aggregating functions of an entrepreneurial business network, this paper attempts to explore the antecedents enabling the organisation…

Abstract

Purpose

To further extend the understanding of the aggregating functions of an entrepreneurial business network, this paper attempts to explore the antecedents enabling the organisation of diverse entrepreneurs to engage in a collaborative inter-firm business network project. This paper also elucidates the development of the relational capabilities and performance of entrepreneurial business networks.

Design/methodology/approach

An explorative, longitudinal case study design is employed to analyse an Italian agricultural business network, which comprised a group of local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using the network as the focus of analysis, the case study draws insights from key informants comprising the network management team and the entrepreneurs who make up the membership of the business network.

Findings

The results of the study provide critical factors for successful organisation of inter-firm engagement. Although these factors are not mutually exclusive, the results show that organising for inter-firm engagement in an entrepreneurial business network context positively influenced the network relational performance and entrepreneurs' innovation capabilities.

Originality/value

The paper extends current understanding of inter-organisational engagement and illuminates the antecedents enabling the development of network relational dynamics capabilities. The empirical results provide unusual insights into the aggregating roles of an entrepreneurial business network, giving practitioners practical insights into managing a successful inter-organisational collaborative project. Using the relevant theoretical frameworks, the study empirically tests the organisation solutions relevant to literature on inter-firm engagement in a business network context and addresses the organisation solutions' interrelationship and linkages to entrepreneurial network relational performance in terms of knowledge practice, information and resources sharing and innovation.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 April 2020

Jalleh Sharafizad and Kerry Brown

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of personal and inter-firm networks and the elements that contribute to the formation and management of these networks for…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of personal and inter-firm networks and the elements that contribute to the formation and management of these networks for regional small businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 small business owners located in regional areas.

Findings

The findings highlight key characteristics of regional small business owners’ networks. Findings indicated that participants relied strongly on their personal networks for business purposes. This study shows that while personal networks adapted and changed into informal inter-firm networks, weak-tie relations within inter-firm networks were unlikely to develop into close personal networks. Novel findings also include a preference for “regional interactions” and included regular collaboration with local business competitors. Although the participants used social media to manage their business through personal networks, results confirmed there was a lack of awareness of the benefits of inter-firm networks with businesses outside the local region.

Originality/value

While it is acknowledged small business owners use personal and inter-firm connections to maintain and grow their business, there is a lack of research examining both of these networks in the same study. This research addresses this gap and presents five propositions as a useful direction for future research. This paper adds to the evolution of existing knowledge by expanding understanding of the formation of business networks and conditions of business trust relations within a regional context.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 35 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2016

Zahid Yousaf and Abdul Majid

The purpose of this paper is to examine and develop a strategic performance model for small and medium enterprises linking with inter-firm networks, strategic alignment and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and develop a strategic performance model for small and medium enterprises linking with inter-firm networks, strategic alignment and environmental dynamism.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the live experiences of 757 respondents, including managing directors/owners and CEOs of different SMEs, the authors proposed a theoretical model representing how firms could attain strategic performance through inter-firm networks with a mediating role of strategic alignment.

Findings

The current study demonstrated that SMEs with strong inter-firm networks have the ability to align business activities with strategies and get earlier strategic performance. Strategic performance looks skeptical to ever gain acceptance until strategic alignment is adopted by small and medium enterprises. The findings of this study indicated that environmental dynamism strengthens the relationship between strategic alignment and strategic performance.

Originality/value

This research extended the understanding about the inter-firm networks, strategic alignment and environmental dynamism surrounding strategic performance. This study identified and empirically tested how the inter-firm networks impact on strategic performance through the mediating effect of strategic alignment.

Details

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5961

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 25 July 2008

Giovanni Battista Dagnino, Gabriella Levanti and Arabella Mocciaro Li Destri

This chapter aims to identify the main determinants that define the architectural properties of network emergence and significantly influence the dynamics underlying network

Abstract

This chapter aims to identify the main determinants that define the architectural properties of network emergence and significantly influence the dynamics underlying network evolution in time. The identification and analysis of these determinants, as well as the dynamic processes tied to them, allows to appreciate the competitive bases and consequences of network morphology. To this purpose, using a complex systems perspective as an integrative conceptual approach, we represent networks as complex dynamic systems of knowledge and capabilities. We perform a comparative in-depth analysis of the processes underlying the emergence and evolution of STMicroelectronic's global network and of Toyota's supplier network in the US so as to allow an elucidatory empirical assessment of the theoretical representation elaborated in the article.

Details

Network Strategy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-7623-1442-3

Book part
Publication date: 25 July 2008

John Hagedoorn and Hans T.W. Frankort

We discuss the ‘gloomy’ side of firms’ embeddedness in networks of inter-firm partnerships. We propose a nested understanding of the effects of three levels of overembeddedness …

Abstract

We discuss the ‘gloomy’ side of firms’ embeddedness in networks of inter-firm partnerships. We propose a nested understanding of the effects of three levels of overembeddedness – environmental, inter-organizational and dyadic overembeddedness – on subsequent inter-firm partnership formation and argue for a joint examination of these three levels and their interactions over time. As a whole, increases in firms’ embeddedness will generate decreasing returns to the firms involved, prompting (i) the search for and attachment to novel partners and (ii) the dissolution of extant partnerships. On the flipside, overembeddedness thus sparks network evolution – by cueing firms to look beyond their embedded partnerships.

Details

Network Strategy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-7623-1442-3

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2017

Anisur R. Faroque, Sussie C. Morrish and Ahmed Shahriar Ferdous

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of business process innovativeness in the networking-export performance relationship in a developing country low-tech industry…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of business process innovativeness in the networking-export performance relationship in a developing country low-tech industry setting. Most innovation research in international business and entrepreneurship is conducted on high-tech industries in developed countries. Less research has focused on the low-tech industry context. This study bridges this research gap by testing whether international new ventures’ (INVs) networking resources impact their export performance through business process innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study tests the link between low-tech INVs’ networking, business process innovativeness and export performance using a sample of 647 export start-up apparel firms in Bangladesh, the second largest apparel exporter in the world.

Findings

The results recognize that an INV entrepreneur’s personal and inter-firm networking are directly and positively related to business process innovativeness and export performance. The findings also indicate that business process innovativeness acts as a mediator only between an INV’s inter-firm networking and its export performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study was undertaken in a Bangladeshi low-tech industry setting-the apparel sector; thus, future research may include data collection from a range of industries across countries. Data collected for the purpose of this study used a cross-sectional research design, and this may only have confirmed the relationships in the model and not causality between the constructs.

Practical implications

The findings highlight that low-tech INVs should focus more on leveraging their personal and inter-firm networking resources, as this should result in improved export performance. The results also provide directives for INVs in regard to improving their business process innovativeness to achieve increased performance.

Originality/value

The study is not only carried out in the context of low-tech early internationalizing firms (i.e. INVs), but also contributes to theory and practice by testing whether INVs’ networking resources (personal and inter-firm) have an impact on business process innovativeness, which in turn leads to improved performance.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2011

Tzu‐Ju Ann Peng

Previous studies on strategic alliance and network have not paid sufficient attention to resource fit based on intellectual capital perspective. This study aims at understanding…

3105

Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies on strategic alliance and network have not paid sufficient attention to resource fit based on intellectual capital perspective. This study aims at understanding the input resources and transformation in a dyadic inter‐firm partnership, given different types of value logics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a multiple case study approach by in‐depth interviews in three inter‐firm cooperative cases, which represent three different types of value‐creating logics – value chain, value shop, and value network. This study applies the intellectual capital navigator (ICN) to analyze the resource transformation among human capital, organizational capital, relational capital, physical capital, and monetary capital that was produced by two sides in three inter‐firm partnerships.

Findings

The results show that: given value chain logic, while the inter‐firm partnership emphasizes standardization, efficiency and economy of scale, resource fit in physical, monetary, and organizational capital forms the basis of value creation; given value shop logic, while the inter‐firm partnership emphasizes problem solution and economy of scope, resource fit in human and organizational capital forms the basis of value creation; and, given value network logic, while the inter‐firm partnership emphasizes network economic behavior, resource fit in human, organizational, and relational capital forms the basis of value creation.

Research limitations/implications

Taking the unit of analysis at dyad level, this study demonstrates the detailed resources contributed by the focal company and its partners based on different value logics.

Practical implications

This study extends the use of the intellectual capital approach for analyzing the resource fit in the inter‐firm context.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study contributes as a starting‐point for analyzing the resource input and transformation in the inter‐organizational context by using an intellectual capital approach. Practically, this study contributes to more practical references so as to reveal, given different types of value‐creating logic, how two partnering companies can manage and deploy their intellectual capital and traditional resources in order to fit in the inter‐firm cooperation.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1469-1930

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 December 2013

Eon-Seong Lee

This study aims to develop a competitive dynamics model of container shipping liners, one which examines how inter-firm network embeddedness would affect inter-firm rivalry such…

Abstract

This study aims to develop a competitive dynamics model of container shipping liners, one which examines how inter-firm network embeddedness would affect inter-firm rivalry such as the likelihood of a competitive action of a focal firm and the likelihood of its rivals’ response and how the inter-firm rivalry then has an influence on the market share of the focal firm. Structural and relational network embeddedness between a focal firm and its competitors would be investigated as drivers of the likelihood of the competitive action and response. The theoretical framework on the relationship between network embeddedness, inter-firm rivalry and market share in the liner shipping industry will be developed and relevant propositions are then suggested in relation to the model. This attempt may provide meaningful insights for managers and academic researchers into the key factors which affect the inter-firm rivalry between shipping liners and may also detail the impact of inter-firm rivalry on the focal firm’s market share. This research would therefore contribute to the development of the competitive strategy of container shipping companies so as to help them strategically manage their rivals’ competitive behaviors and maximize their market share.

Details

Journal of International Logistics and Trade, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1738-2122

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2014

Raffaele Filieri and Salma Alguezaui

This paper aims to address the gap that, to date, no systematic review has been carried out on the role that structural social capital (SC) plays for knowledge transfer and…

2826

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address the gap that, to date, no systematic review has been carried out on the role that structural social capital (SC) plays for knowledge transfer and innovation at the interpersonal, inter-unit and inter-firm levels. Individuals and organisations are becoming increasingly involved in collaboration networks to share knowledge and generate innovation. SC theory has been adopted in several areas of study to explain how individuals, groups and organisations manage relationships to generate innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This review covers studies of SC in organisational behaviour, strategy and management over a period of 20 years.

Findings

The literature review shows that knowledge types and knowledge transfer processes are the missing links in the relationship between structural SC and innovation. Moreover, the paper demonstrates that seemingly opposite configurations of SC are complementary to each other (structural holes vs dense networks; strong vs weak ties) and that contextual factors should be considered when discussing the effects of SC on knowledge transfer and innovation. In addition, it is the balance of different configurations of SC which enables an individual or a company to explore, access, assimilate and combine different knowledge types, which will lead to improved innovation outcomes.

Originality/value

This review facilitates understanding of the role of SC for knowledge transfer processes and the mediating role of knowledge transfer processes and knowledge types in the relationship between structural SC and innovation.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 February 2014

Jarle Aarstad

Many networks take a small-world structure, with a high degree of clustering and shortcut ties that reduce the path-length between the clusters. It can be argued that small-world…

Abstract

Purpose

Many networks take a small-world structure, with a high degree of clustering and shortcut ties that reduce the path-length between the clusters. It can be argued that small-world networks have benefits that are simultaneously related to network closures and the spanning of structural holes, but research on the network members’ performance is nonetheless inconclusive. The purpose of this paper is to argue that the concept of resource idiosyncrasy can explain the mixed findings. Firm idiosyncratic resources are not easily generalizable across enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Industries may vary in terms of resource idiosyncrasy, and the paper elaborates how this can moderate shortcut ties’ effect on performance in an inter-firm network.

Findings

If resource idiosyncrasy predominates in an industry, the paper proposes that inter-firm shortcut ties may increase performance, whereas shortcut ties may decrease performance if non-idiosyncratic resources predominate.

Originality/value

Applying the concept of resource idiosyncrasy as a moderating variable, the paper aims to explain shortcut ties’ effect on performance in an inter-firm network. The theory advanced here can have practical implications and also motivate future empirical studies to gain further knowledge about small-world networks’ effect on performance.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

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