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1 – 10 of over 3000Interorganizational reciprocity plays a key role in relationships among software firms and open source communities. This study seeks to illuminate how a firm's open source…
Abstract
Purpose
Interorganizational reciprocity plays a key role in relationships among software firms and open source communities. This study seeks to illuminate how a firm's open source strategy, characterized by its participation in the open source community, contributes to its financial performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the norm of reciprocity and social capital theory, the study proposes a model comprising the behavioral antecedents and business results of a firm's symbiotic relationship with the open source community. Data were collected through a survey. Partial least squares-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess the results.
Findings
A firm's participative behaviors can have three dimensions: technology giving, technology taking and social participation. Technology taking directly impacts financial performance, whereas the effects of technology giving and social participation on financial performance are fully mediated by the firm's symbiotic relationship with the open source community.
Practical implications
Managers can understand how a specific behavior ultimately contributes to a symbiotic relationship or a firm's financial performance and how to flexibly align participation strategies with the business orientation.
Originality/value
The study adds to the open source literature by refining and enriching the conceptual domain of a firm's participative behaviors in open source communities. It also reveals how contrasting behavioral strategies impact a firm's financial performance.
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This paper aims to advance an integrative perspective of dynamic relationality in negotiation research by providing a symbiotic solution to modeling the cultural adaptation…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to advance an integrative perspective of dynamic relationality in negotiation research by providing a symbiotic solution to modeling the cultural adaptation process in intercultural negotiations.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a solution-oriented symbiotic approach, the authors analyze negotiators’ combination strategy to propose the dynamic convergence of dyadic relational negotiation behavior (RNB) both as a descriptive framework and a prescriptive solution to behavioral congruence in intercultural negotiations. The authors use spreadsheet platform with artificial data input to simulate various RNB dynamics between negotiators.
Findings
The authors identify the research gap between the arelational, static paradigm in negotiation literature and the relational, dynamic reality in negotiation practices, develop a fourfold typology of the existing negotiation research and propose the construct of RNB. The authors simulate the dyadic dynamics of RNB in a symbiotic framework. Results illustrate varied dyadic patterns of convergent RNB dynamics, demonstrating the effectiveness of the symbiotic solution to achieving behavioral congruence under multiple conditions. Propositions are then presented to predict negotiators’ initial relational behavior, describe dyadic coevolution of RNB in intercultural negotiations and explicate the relevant chronic consequences regarding relational and economic capital.
Originality/value
This paper fills a significant knowledge gap in the extant cross-cultural negotiation literature by addressing dynamic behavioral adaptation through a relational lens. This symbiotic framework is both descriptive in its predictive capacity to simulate the complexity of non-linear negotiation environment, and prescriptive in its directive capacity to guide negotiators’ plan of action given each other’s observed behavior with a probability estimation.
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Weihua Liu, Shuang Wei, Yanjie Liang, Di Wang and Jingkun Wang
This study explores the influencing factors on organizational efficiency of the smart logistics ecological chain, and designs the corresponding theoretical framework to guide the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the influencing factors on organizational efficiency of the smart logistics ecological chain, and designs the corresponding theoretical framework to guide the practice of enterprises
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-case study method is adopted in this study. It includes four companies A, B, C and D in China as the case study objects, collects data through enterprise survey and uses the combination of open coding and spindle coding to process the data. By testing the reliability and validity, the theoretical framework is summarized.
Findings
First, organizational efficiency in smart logistics ecological chains is directly related to their service and technology innovation capability. Second, symbiotic relationships, information sharing and customer demand affect the efficiency of smart logistics multi-case ecological chains by influencing their service capacity; their technological innovation capability regulates the mechanism of influence. Third, technological innovation in smart logistics ecological chains positively impacts their service capabilities. Improving technological innovation capability can enhance logistics service capabilities.
Originality/value
According to the characteristics of smart logistics, the theoretical framework about organizational efficiency of smart logistics ecological chain is constructed, which fills the research gap and can provide interesting perspectives for the future research related to the smart logistics ecological chain. At the same time, the findings can also help enterprises to better build the smart logistics ecological chain in practice.
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Federico Barravecchia, Fiorenzo Franceschini and Luca Mastrogiacomo
Service matching is defined in this paper as the process of combining a new service with one or more existing services. A recurring problem for service designer is to match new…
Abstract
Purpose
Service matching is defined in this paper as the process of combining a new service with one or more existing services. A recurring problem for service designer is to match new services with existing ones. This process may be seen as the fundamental action for the development of a service network. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the consequences that may follow from service matching.
Design/methodology/approach
Through an analogy with living organisms in natural ecosystems, the service relationship deployment (SRD) allows the investigation of the possible relationships between matched services.
Findings
This paper presents a new method, named SRD, developed to support the process of service matching in the early design phases of a new service. The description of the method is supported by some practical examples.
Originality/value
The focus of the scientific community on the problem of matching new services with existing ones, is very limited. This paper proposes a new methodology to address this issue.
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The purpose of this paper is to build a symbiotic evolution model to analyze the symbiotic modes and dynamic equilibrium of mobile internet platform innovation ecosystem (MIPIE…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to build a symbiotic evolution model to analyze the symbiotic modes and dynamic equilibrium of mobile internet platform innovation ecosystem (MIPIE) in order to explore its evolutionary path.
Design/methodology/approach
From a symbiosis theory perspective, the authors studied the dynamic evolution stages and symbiotic mode of MIPIE. By adopting logistic model, the symbiotic evolution model of MIPIE is established. After calculating the steady conditions and equilibrium point of this model, numerical simulation was done with MATLAB software to illustrate the impact of symbiotic parameters on evolution path in this ecosystem.
Findings
The symbiotic evolution mode of MIPIE experienced parasitism, commensalism to asymmetric mutualism, and symmetry mutualism or independence. In given conditions, the dynamic evolution of MIPIE eventually tends to a steady equilibrium point. The evolutionary consequence of innovative subjects is not only determined by the natural growth rate, but symbiotic modes can also affect the evolutionary path. Different symbiotic modes result in different evolutionary paths.
Practical implications
Improved understanding of symbiosis in MIPIE could help policy makers to promote value co-creation and dynamic interests balance while facilitating the cooperation of others for successful platform ecosystem management.
Originality/value
The logistic model introduced here bridge theory and practice while establishing a stronger link between symbiosis theory and platform ecosystem management.
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Rudrajeet Pal, Erik Sandberg and Manoj Kumar Paras
This paper aims to purport deeper understanding of, and instigate theoretical elaboration to, multidimensional value created through different reverse supply chain (RSC…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to purport deeper understanding of, and instigate theoretical elaboration to, multidimensional value created through different reverse supply chain (RSC) relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
By capturing the relationships (and their differences) constituted and embedded in three “extreme” case studies from global used clothing supply chain, the sources of multidimensional values are explored in line with Dyer and Singh’s (1998) relational theory.
Findings
In the RSC, when downstream relationships are typically more opportunistic, value is created using inter-personal ways of knowledge sharing and through use of informal safeguards. In contrast, the upstream RSC relationships are more symbiotic, and value is created through more seamless (and routinized) knowledge sharing practices, and additional use of more formal transaction-specific controls or financial incentives as safeguarding instruments.
Research limitations/implications
The use of consolidated case studies may affect the consistency in the findings presented. Another limitation relates to deriving propositions per each source presented in relational theory.
Practical implications
Practitioners particularly from industries whose global RSCs include different natures of relationships and multiple value incentives can be benefited through this study.
Originality/value
The paper extends the original sources of value creation prescribed in relational theory by contextualizing them in RSCs. It depicts how multidimensional values are created relationally by dyadic partners as the nature of relationship differs between upstream and downstream.
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The purpose of this paper is to address the relationship between organizations and their communication agencies. The paper argues that the relationship is symbiotic; both parties…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the relationship between organizations and their communication agencies. The paper argues that the relationship is symbiotic; both parties have to understand the importance of adapting their engagement with one another, especially if they hope to produce brand work that is impactful for target audiences and highlights the value of good communications and marketing to leadership.
Design/methodology/approach
The views expressed in this practice paper are based on the author’s extensive experience in the communications sector in the Middle East.
Findings
The paper highlights the importance of human creativity in communication campaigns, the need for bravery in marketing communications, and the need to adapt to technology. The best client/agency relationships combine the right degree of closeness and distance that allows agencies to be passionate advocates for the client while also being honest on stakeholder reactions. But, honesty requires courage. Telling a client what they need to hear and putting aside the fear of upsetting those who pay the bills in the search for the most effective creative idea takes nerve. Finally, the greatest change to the practice of communication is technology.
Originality/value
Although the relationship between clients and their communications agencies has been a topic of interest, much of the focus has been on the bottom line. This has been attributed to multiple reasons such as increased digital focus, or a belief among many brands that developing in-house capabilities provides better returns on investment. This practice paper addresses the agency–client relationship from a different perspective arguing for a symbiotic relationship built on creativity, honesty, bravery and the need to adapt to technology.
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Recai Coşkun and Oğuzhan Öztürk
This study aims to critically evaluate resource dependence theory’s (RDT) assumptions and explanations about dependence and the dependent firm’s strategic options. The authors…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to critically evaluate resource dependence theory’s (RDT) assumptions and explanations about dependence and the dependent firm’s strategic options. The authors argue that RDT’s perception of dependence is problematic because it evaluates dependence as a purely negative situation in which all firms, by definition, seek to develop strategies to change the power structure of such relationships. On the contrary, the authors argue that there are situations in which dependent firms are in agreement with dependence and, therefore, develop strategies that do not aim to change the balance of power in the relationship, but rather to strengthen their position within the relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is designed as a theoretical discussion. The authors critically evaluate and discuss current understanding and assumptions about RDT’s dependence explanations. Drawing on insights from the strategic management literature, the authors offer a new perspective on the problematic areas in the dependence explanations of the RDT.
Findings
Drawing on insights from the strategic management literature, the authors argue that dependent firms enjoy certain advantages due to the dependence relationship to gain sustainable competitive advantages over their rivals and potential competitors. These advantages include factors such as increasing growth potential, developing capabilities and competencies, building relationships of trust with powerful firms and leveraging their reputations and references that contribute to the sustainable strategic advantages of dependent firms. The authors believe that this study has the potential to spur new research that further challenges the assumptions of the RDT and empirically tests its propositions.
Originality/value
The authors propose a research framework on dependence as a strategic option that has the possibility of expanding RDT’s current dependence explanation.
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Wei‐Feng Tung and Soe‐Tysr Yuan
This study proposes to discuss an up‐to‐date framework for service design as a means‐end tool for modeling, designing, and developing the service systems (e‐service) which can…
Abstract
Purpose
This study proposes to discuss an up‐to‐date framework for service design as a means‐end tool for modeling, designing, and developing the service systems (e‐service) which can fulfil (semi‐)automated value co‐production between the service providers and the customers in a service. In order to achieve the goal of service innovation, this study raises concerns regarding how an innovative e‐service can be a systematic service process according to the proposed service design framework. However, the framework takes into account a novel service classification and individual criteria.
Design/methodology/approach
This study addresses an intelligent service design using design science. According to the proposed framework, the service systems (e‐services) are implemented by simulation. In this study, either service classification or the counterparts of service performance measures emerged from the ecological symbiosis perspective through analytic and synthetic methods. The proposed service design framework defines two dimensions – continuity of co‐production and mutual adaptability – characterized by the process of exchanging service/benefit and building relationship (i.e. partnership) involved within a service. The framework indicated how the interactions and the service/benefit exchange between the service provider and the consumer can work in a service process. The aim is to build a partnership by the service participants due to mutual adaptability in adapting to the counterpart of service (i.e. the service provider or the customer).
Findings
Comparing with traditional service classification and service design, a more positive niche in systematic service innovation was established than before. According to the synthetic methodology, this study classifies the six categories of service based on ecological symbiosis perspectives. Examining individual service performance is derived from a set of criteria of species performance measures in ecological mutualism including proximate response, evolved dependence, and ultimate response. The service systems comply with the characteristics and criteria in the framework to demonstrate the sets of methodology for innovative service design.
Practical implications
This study has yielded findings on both managerial insight on service innovation and the impact of service system design.
Originality/value
The value of the framework is demonstrated through the diverse service systems. For example, digital content, interior design, or mobile phone design is characterized by service participants who embody knowledge‐intensive attributes when engaged in their service process. In order to further complete a novel framework for service design, the question of evaluation that arises concerns the extent of ensuring the necessary service performance.
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D.M. Wilkes, A. Alford, M.E. Cambron, T.E. Rogers, R.A. Peters and K. Kawamura
For the past ten years, the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory (IRL) at Vanderbilt University has been developing service robots that interact naturally, closely and safely with…
Abstract
For the past ten years, the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory (IRL) at Vanderbilt University has been developing service robots that interact naturally, closely and safely with human beings. Two main issues for research have arisen from this prior work. The first is how to achieve a high level of interaction between the human and robot. The result has been the philosophy of human directed local autonomy (HuDL), a guiding principle for research, design, and implementation of service robots. The human‐robot relationship we seek to achieve is symbiotic in the sense that both the human and the robot work together to achieve goals, for example as aids to the elderly or disabled. The second issue is the general problem of system integration, with a specific focus on integrating humans into the service robotic system. This issue has led to the development of the Intelligent Machine Architecture (IMA), a novel software architecture specifically designed to simplify the integration of the many diverse algorithms, sensors, and actuators necessary for intelligent interactive service robots.