Inter-organizational Management Research Articles

Relationship between knowledge transfer and sustainable innovation in interorganizational environments of small and medium-sized enterprises

PURPOSE: The trends promoted for the strengthening of capacities that allow the interaction and valuation of knowledge as an intangible asset, deserve a management based on its transfer as a basis that drives innovation. Based on this, the purpose of the study is to examine the relationships between knowledge transfer (KT) and sustainable innovation (SI) in interorganizational contexts of small and medium-sized companies. METHODOLOGY: A process was carried out through the application of a questionnaire addressed to managers and owners of 109 small and medium-sized companies of activity in management and the development of information and communication technologies in two regions of Colombia. To show the significant differences between the two selected populations, a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test for independent samples was applied. Likewise, an application of the K-means algorithm was used to group the variables into subsets. The study of the data was complemented with the multivariate technique and the principal components analysis (PCA) to validate the contrasting of the declared hypotheses. FINDINGS: The results determine that by means of the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test for independent samples there are significant differences between the two selected populations. Likewise, the positive correlation between the variables of knowledge transfer and innovation is confirmed, as well as designing the interactions and the flow of processes between the components that support the aforementioned variables from the theoretical and empirical approach, whose interaction capacity between them has to promote the innovative potential under sustainability principles in small and medium-sized enterprises. IMPLICATIONS: Based on the results of the research carried out, scenarios are promoted through which it is sought to strengthen the interorganizational management of small and medium-sized enterprises, minimizing the barriers that weaken their stability. As well as promoting new ways of valuing knowledge as an intangible asset that, when transferred, generates effects in innovation management as part of the strengthening and interorganizational sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises. ORIGINALITY AND VALUE: It is based on the generation of value through the proposal of a design of a system of relations between the components that promote the transfer of knowledge and sustainable innovation. Its structure is based on empirical results that allowed defining five strategic stages that show the relationships between the components that promote interorganizational and competitive management of tangible and intangible assets available in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Managing inter-organizational trust and risk perceptions in transboundary fisheries governance networks

Transboundary fishery management represents a significant governance challenge that requires ongoing inter-organizational communication, collaboration, and collective action to ensure sustainability. Previous research suggests that different dimensions of perceived risk, trust, and control interact in complex ways to affect inter-organizational collaborative performance, providing an administrative ‘architecture’ that enables partners to share resources, engage in teamwork, resolve conflict, and coordinate tasks and responsibilities while also allaying their concerns about the alliance. However, the extent to which different control mechanisms influence trust and mitigate the perceived risks of collaboration between the diverse organizations involved in transboundary fisheries management remains unclear. This paper presents the quantitative results of survey research conducted in the Salish Sea of North America, an ecosystem spanning the Canada-US border between British Columbia and Washington State. The survey instrument operationalizes a multi-dimensional trust-control-risk framework considered suitable for studying inter-organizational natural resource management (NRM) networks. The findings support descriptions of the Salish Sea as having fewer nation-to-nation governing bodies resulting in a lack of effective formal controls, high perceived regulatory risk, and low procedural trust attributes that can negatively affect the collaborative performance of the fishery management network. This study represents the first quantitative analysis of the complex relationships between different inter-organizational management strategies, trust dimensions, and perceived risks in transboundary fisheries governance, and offers new directions for future research on NRM collaboration.

Sustainable Development of Agricultural Enterprises with an Active Environmental Stance: Analysis of Inter-Organizational Management Accounting

Objective: The purpose of the research is to investigate the concept of system sustainability in the framework of inter-organizational management accounting with particular attention to the environmental sustainability of agricultural enterprises. The study is aimed at researching the factors affecting the stability of the cooperative, understanding the mechanism for achieving sustainability, and developing an adaptive system of management accounting for environmental costs. Methods: The research relies primarily on conceptual and theoretical analysis. In addition, it attempts to develop an adaptive system of management accounting with a special emphasis on environmental costs. Results: A form for reporting on environmental costs adapted for companies with an active environmental stance and participants in inter-organizational cooperation is developed. The form is designed to account for environmental costs by type of activity, an example of which is livestock production. The study also emphasizes the need to adapt the range of products to the changing requirements for organic food, diversification of production activities, and a focus on green investments. Conclusion: Responding to the requirements of global trends and progress, producers should diversify their production activities and develop fundamentally new products. Agricultural producers should become a promising industry for investment with an emphasis on green investment.

Adaptive management reporting system in inter-organizational relations of agricultural enterprises according to ESG principles

Due to the lack of clear regulation of management accounting at the state level in Russia, the authors conducted a study based on an analysis of information sources, an expert survey on their reliability, and a case method, which resulted in a reporting form compiled for the production process of an agro-industrial enterprise (grain products) as part of inter-organizational company cooperation. The developed management reporting system (composed of eight consecutive stages: standard reports, specialized reports, itemized query reports, notification reports, statistical reports, prognostic reports, modeling results reports, and process optimization reports), on one hand, allows solving a set of tasks to increase the competitiveness of Russian agro-industrial enterprises within the framework of inter-organizational management accounting. On the other hand, the introduction of ESG principles into the management reporting system (calculation of the environmental (E) index, which assesses the company’s impact on the natural ecosystem and covers emissions and efficient use of natural resources in the agricultural production process) increases the level of control and minimizes the risks of an unfair approach of individual partners to environmental issues.

Management control in inter-firm relationships: Opportunities and challenges of blockchain technology adoption

Accounting research has not yet focused on the potential contribution of blockchain technology (BT) to the management control of inter-firm relationships. This study explores to what extent BT addresses some of the key issues related to inter-organizational control identified in the previous literature on the topic. The research is based on the case study approach. In particular, in order to address the research objectives, the study develops the case study of ROUGE (Red Orange Upgrading Green Economy), a project implementing BT in the production and distribution of the Sicilian red orange. The study identifies, explores and discusses the key opportunities and challenges related to BT adoption in inter-firm settings management control. While BT may allow to improve data management and operations, build trust and foster collaboration, its implementation requires tackling technology and cultural resistance. The last years have been characterized by a significant increase in studies focusing on BT and accounting. However, few have developed empirical cases. Moreover, to the author's knowledge, this is the first study specifically focused on BT and inter-organizational management control.

Being creative under the Covid-19 pandemic crisis: the role of effective inter-organizational relationship management

PurposeAnchored on the broaden-and-build theory and the circumplex model, the authors develop and test a conceptual model in which satisfaction, influenced by an effective handling of communication, cooperation, conflict, and opportunism, is set as the predictor of inter-partner creativity in the relationship between hotels and their foreign travel agents under the Covid-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual model was tested with data collected from 190 randomly selected hotel units located in Greece, using both online and drop-in questionnaire methods. Data were analyzed using SEM analysis.FindingsSatisfaction with the working relationship was found to be enhanced by improving communication and cooperation, as well as by keeping conflict and opportunism at low levels. This was a strong predictor of inter-partner creativity, although less pronounced under high levels of relational distance and rigidity.Research limitations/implicationsThe study should be extended to other country settings, replicated at different levels of crisis severity, and use dyadic data. Additional environmental factors could be used as boundary conditions, while our model could be expanded to include additional drivers and consequences of inter-partner creativity.Practical implicationsTo generate inter-partner creativity, there is a need to maintain high levels of satisfaction through proper communication, enhanced cooperation, conflict minimization, and avoidance of opportunistic actions. Also, to better translate satisfaction into inter-partner creativity, interacting parties should keep distance at low levels, while at the same time demonstrate greater flexibility.Originality/valueThe study unveils the role of effectively managing behavioral factors in inter-firm relationships to develop creative solutions to the Covid-19 crisis challenges, an issue neglected by prior research. The study also sheds light on the contingent effects of distance and rigidity, two important factors moderating relationships under crisis. The study applies for the first time two psychological-based theories, the broaden-and-build theory and the circumplex model, to an international marketing crisis situation.

LOCAL MANAGEMENT NETWORKS AS A FACTOR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The article determines that in many countries the challenges of sustainable development are solved by creating new institutional structures that form inter-organizational management networks, which are corporations of public actors representing different sectors and levels of government, as well as private actors. Such networks should contribute to the implementation of coordinated actions, which are necessary to solve the problems of sustainable development in certain areas. It is noted that the concept of sustainable development is based on three pillars: social, economic and ecological. But the institutions necessary to ensure sustainable development can be considered as its fourth pillar. Local management networks are one of such institutions. It is necessary to involve subjects who have certain resources or otherwise contribute to the solution of the relevant problems in the management of the network. In addition, there is a need to consider the interests of all stakeholders in order to achieve legitimacy. This is quite natural, but there are two challenges that must be taken into account. First, it is a challenge to involve all powerful actors in situations of asymmetric distribution of interdependencies, which leads to the fact that some of them will not consider the implementation of real cooperation in their interests. Second, it is a challenge caused by an asymmetric distribution of interests, where commercial resource extraction interests prevail among local private actors and local governments, who are also important resource owners, and environmental conservation interests prevail among external stakeholders, who are also stakeholders. Sustainable development policy crosses the boundaries of political sectors as well as the boundaries between the public and private sectors, i.e. sustainable development is cross-functional. It also crosses the boundaries of territorial jurisdictions, whether local, regional or national. So, the sustainable development goals are at the intersection of different jurisdictions, different sectors of governance, and different levels of governance. Thus, the realization of these goals represents a significant challenge for the coordination and integration of the actions of many actors, accordingly, it is necessary to create complex institutional structures such as management networks.

Formation and presentation of information in the management accounting system in order to develop inter-organizational relations of agro-industrial complex organizations

The article provides a theoretical substantiation of the essence and content of inter-organizational relations in order to ensure inter-organizational cooperation of agricultural formations as an effective tool for maintaining the competitiveness of the domestic agricultural sector. The dynamic development of economic relations influenced the use of innovative technologies, caused the objective need for the introduction of new software solutions in the organization of the agro-industrial complex, including in relation to the system of economic security of inter-organizational cooperation. In order to promptly obtain the necessary data, form and present information in management accounting to optimize the inter-organizational relations of agribusiness organizations and make important management decisions, a mechanism is required that allows for the support of such decisions in a short time. Such a mechanism is an inter-organizational management accounting system in combination with a balanced scorecard, reporting, control system and other systems that ensure inter-organizational interaction. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the theoretical foundations of the formation and presentation of information in the framework of management accounting in order to develop inter-organizational relations of agricultural organizations.. Special attention is paid to the issues related to the elements of inter-organizational relations, the content of such relations.

Implementation of a balanced scorecard in the inter-organizational management accounting system

The article substantiates the application of a system of balanced indicators based on a cybernetic internal control system in order to ensure inter-organizational cooperation of agricultural formations. The widespread use of innovative technologies has led to the objective need to introduce new software solutions into the organization, including in relation to the system of economic security of inter-organizational cooperation. In order to promptly obtain the necessary data and make important management decisions, a mechanism is required that allows for the support of such decisions in a short time. Such a mechanism is a cybernetic system of internal control in combination with a balanced scorecard. The purpose of the study is to introduce a balanced scorecard into the inter-organizational management accounting system. Particular attention is paid to the issues related to the elements of the relationship between the cybernetic system of internal control and the system with

To what extent can local-led innovation platforms tackle complex agricultural development challenges? Insights from Madagascar

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the emergence and specificities of local-led innovation platforms (IPs) in Madagascar and contrast them with neighbouring research-led IPs. Design/methodology/approach We developed a multi-disciplinary framework combining insights from the literature on IP, innovation support services, and innovative networks. Using an exploratory multiple case study approach, we used this framework to analyse eight IPs in Madagascar. Findings (i) local-led IPs are problem oriented, (ii) there is a gap between the stated objectives of the IPs and their activities, (iii) their significant shortcomings result from weak or lacking inter-organisational management practices. Practical Implications We propose concrete avenues for strengthening local-led IPs by building their capacity to innovate at the individual, organisational and network levels. Theoretical Implications We contribute to refining IP assessment methods with an operational framework based on a small subset of variables, focusing on activities, shortcomings, and inter-organisational management practices. We also call for further research into innovation network capacities. Originality/Value Our study sheds light on less documented local-led IPs. From a critical point of view, it shows that, despite the interest they attract among donors, local-led IPs suffer from specific weaknesses and require substantial support, especially when they operate in weak enabling environments.

Reviewing Global Relational Governance Research from 2002 to 2020

Purpose Relational governance has been attracting more and more attention in this century. Current research in relational governance field mainly discusses the impact of relational governance on exchange performance, the interrelation between relational and formal governance, etc. However, the limitation of the existing research in relational governance research subfield is that fewer studies have conducted a review-based study to assess global relational governance research. In other words, an attempt at research looking backward, the status quo, as well as looking forward toward research frontiers and openings for future research on global relational governance is almost nonexistent. To attempt to fill this opening, this study aims to review the global relational governance research from 2000 to 2020 combining quantitative analysis (bibliometric analysis) with qualitative analysis (content analysis). The objective of this study is as follows: 1) to look backward to discern the status quo of relational governance research from 2000 to 2020; and 2) to attempt look forward the research frontiers and opening s for future research; 3) to derive and propose a basic framework in this field.Methodology As a literature review based on the bibliometric methods, it is important to look back at papers which have been published in the past by presenting and analyzing the massive literature data. Furthermore, it is critical to propose trends that are emerging in this research field. That’s to say, both forward looking and backward looking are necessary. Accordingly, we adopted a four-step workflow consisting of data collection, descriptive analysis, quantitative analysis, and qualitative analysis complementing the results of quantitative analysis. That is to say, this paper in lock step manner combines quantitative analysis with qualitative analysis to look backward uncovering status quo of global relational governance research from 2000 to 2020, and to attempt to look identifying research frontiers and openings for future research. Especially, in quantitative analysis section, by using the tool of CitespaceV, we can objectively look backward the research hot topics and look forward research trends and frontiers initially. Subsequently, the qualitative analysis complementing the results of quantitative analysis, aims to further look backward the research topics which are important but ignored in the quantitative analysis and look forward research openings in relational governance research field. By this mean, we can draw a relatively objective and comprehensive conclusion on global relational governance research.Findings Using the data gathered from the WOS core collection database, we looked backward the status quo, and looked forward the research openings on global relational governance research. As for the status quo, the influential countries and institutions, pivotal scholars, key documents, hot topics, research trends, and frontiers were identified. With regard to the journals, Industrial Marketing Management and Journal of Business Research were the most influential journals in relational governance research field. The performance of Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing was also excellent. As for the academic performances of different stakeholders, countries such as England, USA, Spain, Australia, and China made great academic contributions to relational governance research. Institutions consisting of University of London, City University of Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong and University of Wisconsin System had the prominent influence. In term of authors, Laura Poppo and Kevin Zheng Zhou had the prominent impact in this research field. Through document co-citation analysis in quantitative analysis, top 3 literatures in terms of the importance of degree of all the literatures were found. As for research hot topics, ten research topics were identified by the quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis: the integration research combining formal governance with relational governance, the impactful factors of relational governance, the effect of relational governance, the norm and dimension of relational governance, supplier-manufacturer relationships/supply chain management, IT/outsourcing, (complex) projects, China, alliance, and commitment. With regard to research frontiers, three research frontiers including behavior, complementarity, and absorptive capacity were detected by quantitative analysis. Additionally, three stages of relational governance research were concluded by comprehensive induction: the first phase (2002–2008) covering the norm and the effect of relational governance, and the second phase (2009–2013) extending of research scope and objective, and the last phase (2014–2020) representing the research frontiers of relational governance research. Furthermore, three research opening s lacking of investigation and required further research were identified, including concerning how and when relational and formal governance are related, the “dark sides” of the relational governance and the research from the perspective of psychology.Originality The present research is the first that investigates the global relational governance research status quo and offers researchers a comprehensive and deeper understanding in relational governance research field. The findings can offer a more comprehensive and deeper understanding on the research status quo, “hot” topics, research trends and frontiers of global relational governance research from 2000 to 2020 and research opening for future research. Consequently, the present research represents a contribution in business marketing theory development and inter-organizational relationship management.

Blockchain Technology, Inter-Organizational Relationships, and Management Accounting: A Synthesis and a Research Agenda

SYNOPSISBlockchain technology is increasingly emerging as an important organizational phenomenon, especially for collaboration across firm boundaries. Over the past three decades, accounting scholars have shown significant interest in management accounting and control mechanisms that are used by actors to sustain inter-organizational relationships. We outline fundamental technical features and limitations of permissioned blockchain technology and analytically propose blockchain as an empirical concept with implications for management accounting practices that underpin inter-organizational collaboration, trust, control, and information exchange. Particular focus of the analysis is on the interplay between the technical capabilities of blockchain technology and inter-organizational management control procedures. Based on this analysis, we develop a series of propositions that theorize how these procedures affect the way in which blockchain is enacted in IORs, and how they are affected by blockchain in turn. The paper concludes with a research agenda for accounting scholars and offers directions for further research.

Risk governance through public sector interactive control systems: The intricacies of turning immeasurable uncertainties into manageable risks

IMPACT Some public services, like children’s services, are subject to considerable political sensitivity and undergo regular reforms, but little is known of the micro-processes supporting macro-level regulation and policy-making. This article provides insights into this micro-level of inter-organizational relations by investigating risk governance and negotiation employed by English children’s services professionals in their attempt to make sense of the uncertainty in which they operate. Public managers may extract lessons on the role of partnership working in risk identification, measurement and governance. They could also employ the authors’ risk typology (organizational risk, professional risk and risk to clients) to manage and absorb uncertainty beyond, as well as within, organizational boundaries.

Improvement of the management reporting system in the inter-organizational relations of agricultural formations

The article, based on the theoretical analysis and study of management reporting practices, presents the place and role of the inter-organizational management reporting system in the system of inter-organizational management accounting in the framework of partner interaction. The composition of management reports of agricultural organizations in the framework of business partnerships is proposed, the advantages of using this composition of reports are identified, and the possible difficulties of implementing such a system of reporting forms are identified. On the example of agricultural enterprises, the structure and content of management reports for use in inter-organizational cooperation are disclosed.

Managing supplier capabilities for buyer innovation performancein e-business

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the connections between the capabilities of suppliers, buyer operations and the innovation performance of buyers in service-based supply chains. In particular, the authors use a construct of supplier capabilities comprising the capabilities needed to produce an online store and divided into capabilities related to the product, capabilities related to service delivery and capabilities related to the buyer-supplier relationship.Design/methodology/approachData were collected with cross-sectional, random sampling from Finnish companies that have an active online store. A survey was used to collect data on managerial assessments of capabilities of a supplier, the operations of buyers and the innovation performance of buyers. Multiple regressions were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results reveal that capabilities related to the buyer-supplier relationship are positively connected with the innovation performance of the buyer, but those related to the product and service delivery do not significantly influence the innovation performance of the buyer. The results show that the moderating influence of buyer operations on the relationship between capabilities related to the product and the innovation performance of the buyer is negative. The moderating influence of buyer operations on the relationship between capabilities related to service delivery and the innovation performance of the buyer is positive.Research limitations/implicationsForming tight relationships with online store suppliers appears to be a successful way to attain innovation performance for online store operators. Online store operators should not expect supplier capabilities related to online store functionality and characteristics of online store delivery alone to improve their innovation performance.Originality/valueFew studies use an e-business operations model to comprehend the role played by supplier capabilities in buyer innovation performance in service-based supply chains. Building on a resource-based view with inter-organizational management and e-business literature streams, the authors focus on three supplier capabilities and buyer operations to investigate their effects in terms of enhancing innovation performance.

How to Reduce Uncertainty in Supply Chains? The Role of the Interactive Control Lever

In the management control literature, several researchers have expressed the need to pay more attention to the integration of inter-organizational issues in the study of management control systems since the emergence of new forms of organizations. referred to as hybrids, networks, or even supply chains. In this article, we study supply chain management control through the prism of the interactive lever. The research adopts a qualitative analysis based on a theoretical framework based on the concept of the interactive lever of control developed by Simons (1995). The objective is to answer the following research question: how does the interactive dimension translate into supply chain management control and what is its contribution to the intra and inter-organizational management of the supply chain?

Exploring Barriers and Facilitators of Inter-Organizational Management in Response to Mass Casualty Traffic Incidents: A Qualitative Study.

Objective:To investigate and understand the current status of inter-organizational management in relief organizations as well as the relief organizations personnel behavior when facing mass traffic incidents (MCTI). The inter-organizational barriers and facilitators are also discussed in response to MCTI management and in order to help direct future actions to improve pre-hospital emergency services.Methods:The current qualitative study was performed through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 31 individuals from pre-hospital emergency services authorities and personnel, Red Crescent and Yazd, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Fars, and Qom provinces police. These provinces were selected by purposive sampling in 2018-2019. The conventional content analysis method was applied to analyze the data in this research. Results:Three main categories and 14 subcategories were determined. The categories are including relief organizations coordination (having four subcategories: independent relief organizations, interdepartmental services integration, insufficient knowledge of organizations about one other, and performance based on job descriptions), resource and infrastructure management (having four subcategories: adverse information management, proper information management, lack of medical resources and capacities considered, and upgrading of medical resources and capacities considered), and response management of relief organizations (having six subcategories: incomplete assessment, improving the quality of assessment, weakness in establishing scene security, scene security management, poor response, and cooperation in response).Conclusion:Relief organizations need to perform under a unified command. It has inter-organizational cooperation and provide integration of interdepartmental services in order to manage responsiveness at the scene. It also prevents an independent, chaos, and inability of the injured to properly understand and needs in MCTI.

Characteristics of Successful Health Alliance Strategies: Evidence From Rural Healthcare Experiences.

The formation of regional strategic alliances continues to be a well-evidenced response to a varying array of market forces that are challenging the ability of healthcare institutions to realize their missions. Organizations that serve rural communities especially feel pressure to initiate the formation of these collaborative arrangements.In response to concerns of Pennsylvania legislators regarding the impact of these alliances on rural healthcare entities, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania funded a study of outcomes of regional strategic alliances involving rural healthcare institutions. Although the research focused on outcomes, the data also revealed organizational characteristics and patterns of decisions and actions that separated rural healthcare institutions with greater alliance outcome success from their peers serving other rural communities. Strategic leadership and interorganizational management expertise serve as the foundation for decisions and actions beginning before an active search for an alliance and culminating with the achievement of alliance goals. Commitments to collaborative leadership, purposeful partnership, coordination, and progress thematically represent the series of critical decisions and actions collectively required to achieve strategic alliance success. The case of the Laurel Health System illustrates these commitments.Although the findings are based on an intensive review of regional strategic alliances involving rural healthcare institutions, the lessons presented here are transferable to community healthcare organizations regardless of location.

The Use of the ABC Method in the System of Inter-organizational Management Accounting of Agricultural Organizations

The article, based on the theoretical analysis, gives a brief description of the ABC method for the purposes of calculating the cost of agricultural products, and determines its relationship with the «directing-costing» method. Peculiarities of cost calculation in organizations of inter-organizational cooperation are disclosed, accounting practices of the system of calculation based on ABC method are described. The advantages of implementing and using inter-organization accounting and a cost calculation system based on the ABC method have been identified. Possible problem areas are identified when introducing these calculation systems into the practical activities of agro-formations

Features of agriculture and their impact on the organization and methodology of inter-organizational management accounting

The article proposes a list of features of inter-organizational management accounting for agricultural organizations. The specifics of management accounting of agricultural enterprises were considered and ways to solve problems of accounting adaptation were found. A structural chart of a management accounting account is proposed to reflect operations in inter-organizational interaction. Method of functioning of inter-organizational accounting system in automated environment is disclosed. A business process card for the type of activity «Production of crop products» has been developed and described. On the example of agricultural enterprises, examples are given of the reflection in the interorganizational management accounting of the facts of the economic life of partners, taking into account the peculiarities of the functioning of agrosphere enterprises.