Cartooning the Integration of Interorganizational Coordination Types

Abstract

In this study, I analyze cartoons used to communicate to the public the integration of digital platforms with transport chains in port logistics. I argue that these two types of coordination carry competing logics, which explains the ambiguous visual representations of the future implementation of digital platforms in a major European port. In addition to intentional, convenient, and unintended affordances specific to cartoons, I identified three ambiguous trade-offs in the visual communications to the public. These trade-offs prevent incumbents to share the reliable real-time data required for the conception of a digital platform. Based on these findings, I argue that a disruptive suspension of the existing interorganizational coordination logic might be inevitable. This study contributes to discussions about unintentional coordination maintenance, the possibility of weaker incumbents to resist the will of more powerful incumbents, and the affordance of visual communication through cartoons.