Access or collaboration? A typology of sharing economy

Abstract

Being an emergent concept, sharing economy (SE) lacks granularity in its conceptualization. This study offers a typology to delineate the boundaries of this phenomenon and thereby helps in achieving conceptual clarity. Using the lens of social exchange theory, a typology of SE is developed to trace the boundaries and crystalize its contour. The logical delineation attempts to resolve the extant ideological tensions within SE. A two-level analysis employing nine defining characteristics of exchange derived from the theoretical framework of the anatomy of exchange is used for this purpose. Two distinct styles of sharing – collaborative consumption (CC) and access-based consumption (ABC) are identified. It is further sub-classified into eight discrete modes of sharing types: six of CC and two of ABC. The proposed framework identifies a neglected but relevant SE practice - hybrid access.