Beyond boundary spanners: The ‘collective bridge’ as an efficient interunit structure for transferring collective knowledge

This research introduces a framework for selecting efficient interunit structures in facilitating the transfer of knowledge with different levels of complexity. We argue that while the boundary spanner structure is efficient for transferring discrete knowledge, it is inadequate for transferring collectively held complex knowledge. We propose that the transfer of such knowledge requires a more decentralized interunit structure—collective bridge, which is a set of direct interunit ties connecting the members of the source and the recipient units, with the configuration of the interunit ties matching the complexity of knowledge to be transferred. We suggest that while a collective bridge is inefficient in transferring discrete knowledge relative to a boundary spanner structure, it is more efficient for transferring collective knowledge. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Role conflict and ambiguity confronting transnational business networkers: Contrasting social stigma and relational risks for Chinese and Western boundary spanners

Our research explores the role conflict, ambiguity and resulting social stigma and relational risks that transnational B2B networkers face when facilitating the formation of new exchange dyads between firms from distinct and distant cultures, i.e. Chinese and Western. We integrate literature from institution theory and role theory to establish the comparative framework. This allows us to explore: (1) what stigma and relational risks guanxi brokers assume when facilitating transnational business connections; (2) if Western brokers encounter similar stigma and negative consequences that threaten their professional standing and the formation process; and, (3) the lessons from both that transnational firms can learn and incorporate into best practices. We conclude our paper with managerial implications and suggestions for further research.     

Implementation of reverse logistics as a sustainable tool for raw material purchasing in developing countries: The case of Venezuela

This study aims to analyze and understand the benefits that acquiring raw materials through the application of reverse logistics can generate, especially in developing countries. An empirical study has been carried out in the handmade sector of five municipalities in the state of Mérida, Venezuela, into the contingency factors of reverse logistics (information and communication systems, total ownership costs and life cycle of products), as well as the effect of uncertainty. A case study methodology was used to test the effect of the independent variables on the “raw materials purchasing” variable, and involved the technique of stepwise multiple regression. The results reveal that the preference for purchasing raw materials through reverse logistics is mainly determined by the “uncertainty” variable, contingency factors of “information and communication systems” and the “life cycle of products”. According to the results, firms in the handmade sector should implement an information system and be in constant communication with their customers, who play a dual role as buyers of their products and as input suppliers, therefore, greater contact can help reduce uncertainty. Handmade sector workers make products with a long average life cycle and, therefore, with greater chances of being reused, restored, repaired and to finally be subjected to recycling. National and local authorities should encourage the application of reverse logistics in other productive sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, services, as it can reduce the problem of acquisition of production inputs and mitigate environmental damage caused by the production of raw materials.