The Governance of Interorganizational Networks: An Analysis of the Tension Between Efficiency and Inclusiveness in the Decision-Making Process

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14211/regepe.v8i2.1137

Keywords:

Interorganizational Networks, Network Governance, Governance Tensions

Abstract

Objective: To analyze how the critical contingency factors of interorganizational network governance - trust, number of members, goal consensus and network level competency needs - described by Provan and Kenis (2008), influence the tension between decision-making process and inclusion of decision-makers.


Method: The research followed a qualitative approach based on multiple case studies in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. Data were collected through interviews, documentary analysis and observation.


Originality / Relevance: The research contributes to the discussion about the role of critical contingency factors and their relationship with the tension between efficiency and inclusion in the decision-making process of networks. The originality of the study refers to the empirical evidence about the role of these factors in that tension.


Results: Results shows the role of critical contingency factors, the mechanisms used for tension management, and the identification of two additional contingency factors: trust in network management and the geographical dispersion of its members.


Theoretical / methodological contributions: The study contributes to the literature through empirical evidence in that it shows that the critical contingency factors influence the tension between efficiency and inclusion of the decision process. In addition, it has been identified two additional factors: trust in management and geographic dispersion.


Social / management contributions: Based on the results analysis, it was identified that granting greater autonomy to the executive managers of the networks and their internal teams and valuing the moments of contact with the members to ensure participation are recommended mechanisms for the management of the studied tension.

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Author Biographies

Joel Ricardo Rocha Schmidt, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos – UNISINOS

Mestre em Administração pela Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos – Unisinos, Rio Grande do Sul, (Brasil)

Douglas Wegner, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos – UNISINOS

Doutor em Administração pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS, Rio Grande do Sul, (Brasil). Professor do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração da Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos -UNISINOS, Rio Grande do Sul.

Marcos Vinícius Bitencourt Fortes, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos – UNISINOS

Doutorando pela Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos – Unisinos, Rio Grande do Sul, (Brasil).

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Published

2019-04-22

How to Cite

Schmidt, J. R. R., Wegner, D., & Fortes, M. V. B. (2019). The Governance of Interorganizational Networks: An Analysis of the Tension Between Efficiency and Inclusiveness in the Decision-Making Process. REGEPE Entrepreneurship and Small Business Journal, 8(2), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.14211/regepe.v8i2.1137

Issue

Section

Research article (Theoretical-empirical)