Structural homophily or social asymmetry? The formation of alliances by poorly embedded firms

Recent research shows that preexisting network structure constrains the formation of new interorganizational alliances. Firms that are poorly embedded in a network structure are less likely than richly embedded firms to form alliances, because they lack informational and reputational benefits. This study examines the types of ties that poorly embedded firms can form to overcome the constraints that their structural positions impose, in turn helping to explain how firms' actions can transform existing network structures. We argue that poorly embedded firms are more likely to participate in ties characterized by social asymmetry than in ties characterized by structural homophily. We analyze the terms of trade that socially asymmetric partners negotiate for alliance governance and discuss how such alliances influence network dynamics. To test our arguments, we use longitudinal data on the alliance activities of 97 global chemical firms from 1979 to 1991. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Strategic alliances as social capital: a multidimensional view

Defining social capital in terms of the information benefits available to a firm due to its strategic alliances we present a theory of social capital that conceptualizes it as a multidimensional construct. We draw from the literature to argue that social capital yields three distinctly different kinds of information benefits in the form of information volume, information diversity, and information richness. This extends current theoretical and empirical research by specifying and empirically demonstrating three interrelated yet distinct dimensions of social capital. Firms vary in their levels of social capital not just on their structural position in an alliance network but also in the dynamics that underlie alliance formation and maintenance. More importantly, the different dimensions of social capital theoretically provide differential benefits. We establish the construct validity of our proposed three‐dimensional conceptualization of social capital using longitudinal data on the population of strategic alliances formed during the period 1980–94 by firms in the global steel industry. In addition, we establish predictive validity by demonstrating that the information dimensions have differential effects on firm performance, using firm nationality as a contingency. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

组织间关系:界面规则的演进与内在机理研究

组织间关系的界面规则是动态演进的,组织间学习是界面规则演进的背后机理。本文考虑外界环境的变动对组织间关系界面规则的影响,指出组织间关系网络成员长期重复性的互动是界面规则形成的基础,并重点探讨了组织间关系界面规则的自组织演进过程,揭示出界面规则的演进是组织间关系成员之间的互动与组织间关系界面之间相互转换的螺旋上升的动态过程,并对界面规则演进的内在机理——双元模式和组织间学习做出了解释。     

组织间关系:界面规则与治理机制

本文认为,界面规则是组织间关系的基础.本文讨论了界面规则的形成和演变的路径依赖特征,提出了一个分析组织间关系界面规则的理论框架,并对构成界面规则的要素进行了论述.本文还讨论了组织间关系治理机制的特点,强调组织间协调和组织间关系治理的重要性要大于内部科层协调和内部治理.     

Opportunistic behaviors in franchise chains: the role of cohesion among franchisees

This paper explores social processes between franchisees as a way to control franchisee opportunism. Based on the literature of socio‐psychological and interorganizational relationships, we argue that cohesion among franchisees is negatively associated with opportunistic behaviors that are potentially harmful to the whole chain. We use multilevel and multisource data to show that perceptions of cohesion among franchisees relate both to a) how franchisees apply know‐how from franchisors (i.e., deviation from chains standards), and b) whether they transfer or withhold information that could be useful to the franchise system (i.e., information withholding). Our results underscore the importance of relationships among franchisees, an underexplored component of franchising. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structuring cooperative relationships between organizations

Alliances and similar cooperative efforts are receiving increased attention in the strategic management literature. These relationships differ in significant ways from those governed by markets or hierarchies, and pose very different issues for researchers and managers. In this paper we address alternative forms of governance in cases where multiple organizations repeatedly cooperate. We explore their characteristics and follow this with a discussion of criteria which we believe bear on the choice of governance: risk and reliance on trust. We offer propositions on relationships between these criteria and the choice of governance mechanisms. In the concluding section of the paper we explore the implications of our analysis for managers and scholars.     

基于网络关系的公司治理

公司治理已由“股东至上”的产权治理演进为“利益相关者”的超产权治理,由单一企业的内部法人治理结构治理向网络关系的公司治理演进.企业价值评价也由财务指标逐渐转向非财务指标.在以网络关系为基础的公司治理中,企业当着力构建公司的价值网络关系、社会网络关系和顾客网络关系,并以利益相关者的公司治理理论为基点,根据不同的网络关系,实施分类治理,协调、维护好各种网络关系,使各类利益相关者协调发展.公司利用各种网络关系攫取企业发展所需的各类资源,致力于企业“Key Stone”角色的建设,保持企业的“常青基业”,以实现企业和社会效益的最大化.     

The impact of psychological contracts upon trust and commitment within supplier-buyer relationships: A social exchange view

Central to this study is the emerging body of knowledge describing how social exchange relationships are being nurtured. A random sample of 343 Australian distributor firms from within the motorized vehicle industry was used to test a model developed on the basis of social exchange theory. Psychological contracts are perceptual in nature and were found to encompass reciprocal obligations stemming directly from the relational orientation between suppliers and distributors. This construct was also shown to have a positive impact upon the level of trust and commitment within the relationship. These findings have significant managerial implications for the manner in which managerial decision makers are modelling the firm-customer relationship because trust and commitment are essential elements in the development and maintenance of such relationships. The theoretical and managerial implications discussed have highlighted the need for further studies because there are deficiencies in the marketing literature pertaining to this important construct.