Interorganizational Relationships Research Articles

To Achieve Goal Alignment by Inter-Organizational Incentives: A Case Study of a Hydropower Project

Although the use of incentives has been widely recognized as an effective project management tool, its application still needs specific exploration. Existing research on incentives mainly focuses on intra-organizational incentives, lacking systematic research with empirical evidence from the perspective of the inter-organizational level. To fill this research gap, this study conducted an in-depth investigation into the application and impacts of inter-organizational incentives by studying a typical case of a hydropower project. In this case, a series of innovative inter-organizational incentives, involving a multiple contractual incentive scheme concerning schedule, quality, safety, as well as environmental performance, is applied. Using a mixed methodology that included a document review, a questionnaire survey, and interviews, this case study revealed that inter-organizational incentives could effectively help promote goal alignment, stimulate cooperative inter-organizational relationships, and improve project performance. This research developed a novel classification of inter-organizational incentives and emphasized the importance of non-contractual and informal incentives, which were ignored in previous research. The results further highlight that while incentivized organizations generally value incentives according to their monetary intensity, their prioritization of goals is determined by various factors. Therefore, to achieve project goal alignment, the optimization of incentive schemes should comprehensively consider a variety of influencing factors rather than merely focusing on monetary intensity. These findings will help both academic researchers and industrial practitioners design and execute effective inter-organizational incentives for superior project performance, especially for those projects that pursue high sustainable performance with safety and environmental performance included.

Trust-based management control in inter-organizational relationships

High levels of trust can reduce the risk of inter-organizational relationships failing. Also, high levels of trust between business partners can be advantageous as less time and effort are spent controlling the motives and behavior of a company’s counterpart. This case study explores the management control systems between two small Norwegian salmon farming companies engaged in a joint venture. Specifically, we ask how trust influences management control in an inter-organizational relationship. We collected data by interviewing the management of the two companies constituting the joint venture and their collaborating partners throughout the value chain, resulting in two main findings. First, we find that collective values are the most critical control mechanism in managing the joint venture. As a result, other control mechanisms are toned down and become less prominent. Second, we find that a high level of trust enables management based on values. Hence, trust becomes directive for managing the joint venture. Our findings could be important for companies seeking to engage in different inter-organizational relationships. They indicate that it might benefit managers to seek out potential partners with the same fundamental values as themselves to facilitate trust-building.

Toward a more comprehensive understanding of organizational influences on implementation: the organization theory for implementation science framework.

Implementation is influenced by factors beyond individual clinical settings. Nevertheless, implementation research often focuses on factors related to individual providers and practices, potentially due to limitations of available frameworks. Extant frameworks do not adequately capture the myriad organizational influences on implementation. Organization theories capture diverse organizational influences but remain underused in implementation science. To advance their use among implementation scientists, we distilled 70 constructs from nine organization theories identified in our previous work into theoretical domains in the Organization Theory for Implementation Science (OTIS) framework. The process of distilling organization theory constructs into domains involved concept mapping and iterative consensus-building. First, we recruited organization and implementation scientists to participate in an online concept mapping exercise in which they sorted organization theory constructs into domains representing similar theoretical concepts. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses were used to produce visual representations (clusters) of the relationships among constructs in concept maps. Second, to interpret concept maps, we engaged members of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) OTIS workgroup in consensus-building discussions. Twenty-four experts participated in concept mapping. Based on resulting construct groupings' coherence, OTIS workgroup members selected the 10-cluster solution (from options of 7-13 clusters) and then reorganized clusters in consensus-building discussions to increase coherence. This process yielded six final OTIS domains: organizational characteristics (e.g., size; age); governance and operations (e.g., organizational and social subsystems); tasks and processes (e.g., technology cycles; excess capacity); knowledge and learning (e.g., tacit knowledge; sense making); characteristics of a population of organizations (e.g., isomorphism; selection pressure); and interorganizational relationships (e.g., dominance; interdependence). Organizational influences on implementation are poorly understood, in part due to the limitations of extant frameworks. To improve understanding of organizational influences on implementation, we distilled 70 constructs from nine organization theories into six domains. Applications of the OTIS framework will enhance understanding of organizational influences on implementation, promote theory-driven strategies for organizational change, improve understanding of mechanisms underlying relationships between OTIS constructs and implementation, and allow for framework refinement. Next steps include testing the OTIS framework in implementation research and adapting it for use among policymakers and practitioners.

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION: THE ROLE OF STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION

<p><em>This research is to be directed to analyze the development of higher education transformation strategy models through strengthening institutional capacity. The method used is qualitative through in-depth interviews and documentation studies. The results showed that there are several factors that hinder the performance of universities, such as limited human resources and infrastructure. This condition demands organizational change in order to be able to adapt to fast and complex organizational dynamics. In the context of higher education governance, there is an urgent need to transform governance according to the main tasks and functions through strengthening institutional capacity. From this study, researchers recommend that the transformation of governance strategies and strengthening of the role of universities through strengthening institutional capacity need to be implemented comprehensively. It aims to build optimal organizational capacity by strengthening eight key aspects, namely: Strategic leadership; Organizational structure; Human resources; Financial management; Infrastructure; Management of programs and services; Process management; Inter-organizational relations; and Spiritual management. Through this approach, universities are expected to reflect a strong and strategic capacity, which in turn will assist the institution in achieving the vision and goals set in the Gorontalo State University strategic plan. By adopting this strategy, universities can be better prepared for future challenges and opportunities in the ever-changing world of higher education.</em></p>

Leveraging blockchain and NFTs for quality 4.0 implementation in digital manufacturing

PurposeQuality 4.0 (Q4.0) leverages new emerging technologies to achieve operational excellence and enhance performance. Implementing Q4.0 in digital manufacturing can bring about reliable, flexible and decentralized manufacturing. Emerging technologies such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), Blockchain and Interplanetary File Storage (IPFS) can all be utilized to realize Q4.0 in digital manufacturing. NFTs, for instance, can provide traceability and property ownership management and protection. Blockchain provides secure and verifiable transactions in a manner that is trusted, immutable and tamper-proof. This research paper aims to explore the concept of Q4.0 within digital manufacturing systems and provide a novel solution based on Blockchain and NFTs for implementing Q4.0 in digital manufacturing.Design/methodology/approachThis study reviews the relevant literature and presents a detailed system architecture, along with a sequence diagram that demonstrates the interactions between the various participants. To implement a prototype of the authors' system, the authors next develop multiple Ethereum smart contracts and test the algorithms designed. Then, the efficacy of the proposed system is validated through an evaluation of its cost-effectiveness and security parameters. Finally, this research provides other potential applications and scenarios across diverse industries.FindingsThe proposed solution's smart contracts governing the transactions among the participants were implemented successfully. Furthermore, the authors' analysis indicates that the authors' solution is cost-effective and resilient against commonly known security attacks.Research limitations/implicationsThis study represents a pioneering endeavor in the exploration of the potential applications of NFTs and blockchain in the attainment of a comprehensive quality framework (Q4.0) in digital manufacturing. Presently, the body of research on quality control or assurance in digital manufacturing is limited in scope, primarily focusing on the products and production processes themselves. However, this study examines the other vital elements, including management, leadership and intra- and inter-organizational relationships, which are essential for manufacturers to achieve superior performance and optimal manufacturing outcomes.Practical implicationsTo facilitate the achievement of Q4.0 and empower manufacturers to attain outstanding quality and gain significant competitive advantages, the authors propose the integration of Blockchain and NFTs into the digital manufacturing framework, with all related processes aligned with an organization's strategic and leadership objectives.Originality/valueThis study represents a pioneering endeavor in the exploration of the potential applications of NFTs and blockchain in the attainment of a comprehensive quality framework (Quality 4.0) in digital manufacturing. Presently, the body of research on quality control or assurance in digital manufacturing is limited in scope, primarily focusing on the products and production processes themselves. However, this study examines the other vital elements, including management, leadership and intra- and inter-organizational relationships, which are essential for manufacturers to achieve superior performance and optimal manufacturing outcomes.

Governance, cooperation and coordination in large inter-organisational project networks: a viable system perspective

PurposeThis study aims to further the understanding of multi-level analysis in inter-organisational relationships by investigating the interplay of governance, cooperation and coordination in inter-organisational projects (IOPs) on sub-system and project levels.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the Viable Systems Model as a framework to analyse inter-organisational project governance, cooperation and coordination by adopting a multiple-case study.FindingsThe findings illustrate how governance and coordination mechanisms exhibit a filter-down effect on lower sub-systems while cooperation influence is confined within each sub-system. While remarking the importance of specific sub-systems on the overall project performance, the interplay of governance, cooperation and coordination across sub-systems appears to be complex, with governance influencing cooperation and coordination, whereas cooperation and coordination influence each other with an incremental effect.Originality/valueThis study defines two propositions that explain how multiple levels of analysis (project and sub-systems) can support the governance of large inter-organisational projects. The authors elaborate theory on the interplay of inter-organisational project governance, cooperation and coordination.

The spectrum of inter-organizational relationships and social capital mobilization of MNEs

Propósitolas Empresas Multinacionales (MNEs) establecen una amplia gama de alianzas para acceder a los recursos críticos externos que puedan necesitar en cualquier memento. Las MNEs deben considerar qué mecanismos o características de las relaciones facilitan su movilización real.Diseño/metodología/enfoqueuna definición de los tipos de alianza produjo los parámetros para una regresión de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios de una muestra de las principales MNEs de alcance global de la industria de las aerolíneas.ResultadosLos resultados mostraron que ciertos tipos de alianzas favorecieron la movilización real del capital social.Originalidad/valorAnalizar los factores que influyen en el grado de movilización del capital social y cómo las MNEs utilizan en la práctica los recursos de sus socios, requiere del establecimiento de un marco teórico y el desarrollo de evidencia empírica.

Exploring the Dimensionality of Opportunism in Inter-Organizational Relationships with Meta-Analysis

Exploring the Dimensionality of Opportunism in Inter-Organizational Relationships with Meta-Analysis

Conflict and Dispute Management in Interorganizational Relationships: A Review

Conflict and Dispute Management in Interorganizational Relationships: A Review

Informal interorganizational business relationships, satisfaction, and firm performance: Case of Arab Maghreb countries

Understanding how informal relationships such as Wasta operate in different cultures is necessary for multinationals to thrive. However, studies on the effect of such networks on multinationals' activities in Arab countries remain limited. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of informal inter-organizational business relationships on the satisfaction and performance of firms in Arab Maghreb countries. This research is based on a self-administered survey with 534 procurement managers from Morocco ( n = 220), Algeria ( n = 148) and Tunisia ( n = 166). We used structural equations to test our hypotheses. The results showed that Wasta has almost the same effect on interorganizational relationship in the three Maghreb countries. Specifically, Mojamala (affection) does not influence the satisfaction of the B2B relationship within the three counties under study, while Hamola (reciprocity) and Somah (trust) positively influence this relationship. The analysis showed that the negative side of Somah has a negative influence on satisfaction only in Algeria. The results also showed that satisfaction positively influences the performance of Maghrebian B2B partners. These results show that the phenomenon of Wasta is rooted in the cultures of the Maghreb countries and underscore the need to conduct further studies to understand it and to raise awareness among multinationals that plan to do business with the local partners or those who are planning to relocate. Implications for IB, theory and policy are discussed together with the study’s limitations and suggestions for future research. Through this study, we contribute to the development of research on cross-culture management by showing the effect of Wasta as a cultural phenomenon on business relations in the Maghreb countries. Our research is the first to investigate the effect of the informal interorganizational relationship on the satisfaction and performance of B2B partners.

Identifying Multilevel Community Supervision Challenges to Inform Diversion Approaches for People With Mental Illnesses

Efforts to divert people with mental illnesses from the criminal legal system are widespread among mental health and criminal justice authorities. Most diversion efforts focus on directing individuals with mental illnesses to treatment; however, these treatment-focused interventions are an insufficient approach to diverting people with mental illnesses from the criminal legal system and fail to adequately address organizational and system-level factors that impact criminal legal system involvement. This study uses a social ecological approach to identify multilevel supervision challenges that probation officers face in diverting people with mental illnesses from future criminal legal system involvement. Twenty-six probation agency representatives from across the United States were interviewed as part of a larger study about supervising people with mental illnesses on probation. Salient themes indicate diversion targets related to (1) probation officer and agency capacity, (2) interorganizational relationships and roles, and (3) resources and systems in the local community. A comprehensive framework for diversion must include a both-and approach that maintains focus on individual-level supports and predictors of recidivism and violations, while also targeting the macro- or system-level factors that create the conditions for recidivism at the individual level.

Implementation Of Public Housing Management Policy: A Case Study In Rusunawa Of Cimahi, West Java, Indonesia

Insufficient and affordable vertical housing (rusunawa) availability is still emerging as an alternative option for temporary residence for low-income individuals. Therefore, this study purposes to explore the implementation of Rusunawa management policies managed by local governments in Indonesia. The theoretical framework used to analyze policy implementation is based on Kearns and Lawson's (2008) concept, which examines four factors: 1) the policy itself, 2) implementing agencies, 3) inter-organizational relations, and 4) social and political factors. This research adopts a qualitative case study approach, focusing on three Rusunawa (vertical housing) facilities managed by the Cimahi Government. The data were collected within interviews with 18 respondents using purposeful sampling, employing open-ended questions complemented by observation and analysis of relevant documents. The implications of this research highlight the requirement for public rental housing management policies to consider the income criteria of prospective residents, rental period duration, and budget allocation for expanding the Rusunawa Public Service Unit (PSU), effective communication and information dissemination channels, and improved Rusunawa management practices. The findings underscore the socio-economic factors influencing the beneficiaries of general rental housing policies, along with the budgetary requirements for expanding the Rusunawa PSU, optimizing communication and information channels, and enhancing the overall management of Rusunawa facilities.

FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF CLUSTER PARTNERSHIP AS A NEW FORM OF QUASI-INTEGRATIVE PROCESS

The purpose of the article. The main goal of this work is to investigate the specifics of the development of cluster partnership as a form of quasi-integration process.
 Methods of research. The article uses general scientific research methods, in particular, empirical methods: methods of historical, logical and comparative analysis – to reveal the evolutionary foundations of cluster partnership development as a new form of quasi-integration process.
 Presentation of the main research material. The latest global technological trends are characterized by the intensification of the fifth industrial revolution and the transition of the world economy to the sixth technological system and the knowledge economy. While the industrial economy defines vertical integration, the knowledge economy encourages the formation of inter-organizational relationships and business arrangements built in networks. In this context, the development of national ecosystems and second-level clusters is observed, as well as the spread of partnership interaction between cluster structures on a global scale, which proves the timeliness and relevance of this research. The article analyzes the main stages of integration processes in terms of the formation of technological structures. It was established that the sixth stage of the development of integration processes coincides with the formation of the VI technological system and the evolution of the category of quasi-integration, which is a predictor of the development of cluster partnership. The development of the concept of quasi-integration among Ukrainian and foreign scientists is studied. Therefore, based on the research data, the article proposes to supplement the given classification of forms of quasi-integration with such a form as cluster partnership. In this research, the barriers of integration and quasi-integration are considered and their features are highlighted in relation to the forms of integration and quasi-interactional structures.
 Conclusions from the conducted research. In the course of the research, researching the forms of the quasi-integration process, it was proved that the cluster partnership contains features of both an integrated structure and a quasi-integrated structure. Taking into account the criteria specified in the study, we can state that the barriers to integration in corporate structures are quite high, in contrast to the quasi-integrated structure – cluster partnership.
 Keywords: integration; integration processes; integrated business structures; quasi-integrated business structures; business entities; network economy.

Trust, Distrust and Control Interplay in Interorganizational Relations

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review of research on the interplay between trust, distrust and control in interorganizational relations. The authors aim at diagnosing the current state of research along with gaps in the literature and then outlining opportunities for further research. The paper fulfills the aims by exploring the literature in four fields: (1) the understanding of trust, distrust and control, (2) interplay between trust and control, (3) relation between control and distrust and (4) relation between trust, distrust and control. Design/methodology/approach: The systematic literature review was conducted following the framework in Kraus et al. (2020). The sample consisted of 78 publications which were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings: Our systematic literature review revealed the prevalence of debate on trust, with distrust being marginalized. Five research gaps emerged from the analysis. As for the relation between two constructs, the trust – control debate is on top, trust – distrust takes the second position, with distrust – control as a marginal research area. Originality/value: The paper is a comprehensive review of the body of literature integrating three constructs: trust, distrust and control, along with new research directions.

Acquiesce, Compromise, or Avoid? Collaboration, Coordination, & Cooperation as Different Strategic Responses to Institutional Pressures

Collaboration is often touted as the ideal interorganizational relationship (IOR) to tackle many challenging social problems; however, collaboration is just one of many types of IORs that public managers can undertake. This article presents public managers’ decisions to cooperate, coordinate, or collaborate with program partners as strategic responses of avoiding, compromising, or acquiescing, respectively. We argue that perceptions of coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures influence the likelihood to undertake different IORs; specifically, as managers experience combined isomorphic pressures, they are more likely to acquiesce and collaborate with program partners. Findings from our qualitative study of federal and state preschool programs in Virginia, USA reveal that as managers perceive additional pressures they are more likely to pursue more involved IORs. Unexpectedly, we find that cooperators perceive few isomorphic pressures, and we also find that perceived deterrent isomorphic pressures distinguish coordinators from collaborators. These findings offer insight about how organizational field pressures can affect strategic IOR responses.

The Social Structure of School Resource Disparities: How Social Capital and Interorganizational Relationships Matter for Educational Equity

One potentially underestimated aspect of resource inequity in U.S. public schools is access to social capital in external organizational environments. This research examines partnerships among 211 New York City high schools and 918 partner organizations from 2001 to 2005 as sources of external school social capital providing resources that can strengthen organizational capacity to improve educational opportunities and outcomes. The findings, based on an innovative analysis combining content analysis, social network analysis, and multilevel modeling, demonstrate that four partnership characteristics are important in this context: (1) how long partnerships last versus how many there are, (2) partners concentrating resources in a particular area versus across diverse complementary areas, (3) partners being densely connected to other schools and partners rather than being central in the overall school–partner network, and (4) partners conveying instructional resources versus other kinds of resources. Hence, educational research and policy should more broadly conceptualize how schools’ external organizational environments matter for educational equity and the role particular kinds of partnerships can play.

Relational dynamics in information technology outsourcing: An integrative review and future research directions

AbstractThis paper reviews the literature on relational dynamics in information technology outsourcing (ITO) relationships, a type of interorganizational relationship (IOR) between client and vendor firms that can vary considerably in complexity. While relational dynamics are understood to reflect changes in an IOR ex‐post contract which can substantially influence relationship performance and development, prior IOR research is limited in its conceptualization. The extensive ITO literature offers fertile ground for exploring this limitation but has advanced different conceptualizations and is fragmented in empirical findings, which warrants a systematic assessment. We conduct an integrative review of 127 peer‐reviewed empirical studies to enhance our understanding of the constituents of relational dynamics. The findings reveal that relational dynamics involve the occurrence and management of tensions within and across four relationship development stages (transactional, strategic, transformational, and termination). For each stage and between stages, we identify the main tension, the firms’ strategies to manage the tension, and the outcomes. Based on these findings, we develop an integrative framework that offers a comprehensive and multifaceted conceptualization of relational dynamics, revealing that as ITO arrangements progress (or regress), partner firms are confronted with structural and transitional tensions inherent in relationship stability and instability. Based on this framework, we offer future directions for developing a more comprehensive understanding of relational dynamics in ITO and, more broadly, IORs.

How is government embedded in innovation process for breakthroughs? A meta-synthesis of qualitative case studies

The government seeks to accelerate scientific and technological progress to benefit society. However, the government may promote or hinder breakthrough innovation. It is difficult to thoroughly understand the characteristics of governmental action in innovation process. To better define the role of government, we focused on inter-organizational relationships and discussed the governance structures of government in the process of promoting breakthrough innovation from the perspectives of situation and motivation. A meta-synthesis process is adopted in this paper to integrate 28 case studies on the theme of governmental action in innovation activities. A theoretical landscape of government-embedded typology in the innovation process was established using an analytical framework of “situation, motivation, action, and effect.” First, the government views technological innovations as governance objects or tools. Then, four government-embedded models are presented in the innovation process: the government-led core model, the government-led hybrid model, the government-supported hybrid model, and the government-supported peripheral model. The action characteristics of each model are reflected in regulation, planning, R&D, coordination, and demand-pull. Finally, there are multiple combinations and evolutions between models due to the complex situations and the dynamic process.

Protégés of power: Patrimonialism in mobility narratives of the Danish power elite

Abstract Career narratives among the Danish power elite often include the facilitating presence of an elite superior. We explore the role patrons play in the mobility narratives of the Danish power elite. Drawing from a highly select group identified in the core of elite networks, we interviewed 37 individuals selected for maximal variation in career paths, networks and positions within the power elite. We referenced the concept of patrimonialism to understand the relations between patrons and protégés in building an elite career and develop a typology identifying three kinds of patrimonial relations described by elites, intra-organizational relations to mentors and patriarchs and inter-organizational relations to sponsors. We then empirically explore the three types of patrimonial relations. Finally, we argue that each of these patrimonial relations reinforce elite cohesion, even in the supposedly critical case of good governance in Denmark. Hence, patrimonial relations present a crucial perspective for understanding contemporary power structures.

Organisation as Reflexive Structuration

Abstract Our "Beacons of Organizational Sociology" series makes available, through first-time translations, texts that have shaped debates in organizational sociology in non-English-speaking countries, or presents reflections on such debates by established scholars. The first text in this series is a shortened English translation of the German article “Organisation als reflexive Strukturation” by Günther Ortmann, Jörg Sydow, and Arnold Windeler, published in 1997 in the highly influential book “Theorien der Organisation. Die Rückkehr der Gesellschaft” [Theories of Organization. The Return of Society]. The article applies Giddens’ social theory to organizational research. In elaborating on “the principle of reflexive organization,” the text provides a social-theoretically informed concept of organization that is of continuing relevance for organization research today. The publication can be classified as one of the decisive writings by the authors contributing to establishing organizational research based on structuration theory in the German-speaking world, informing many studies, e.g., on new organizational forms, innovation, and inter-organizational relations. The concise overview of the various existing studies in organization research using a structuration perspective at that time in the original manuscript is not part of this translation.