The literature on strategic alliances shows what are the antecedents of their performance, considering some behavioural and firm attributes. This paper intends to contribute to the existing literature by investigating how the antecedents blend and contribute effectively to the success of networks in realising those strategic aims not achievable by single firms. In line with the explanatory nature of our research objective, we chose a theoretical sampling case-study approach, analysing two Italian business network contracts. The “business network contract” is a tool introduced in 2009 by Italian law to improve firms’ competitiveness and innovation attitude; It is a private agreement between two or more firms aimed at exchanging information or services, collaborating in determined fields to attain the firms’ business purposes or jointly managing common activities. The business network contract is a form of structured and flexible cooperation that allows firms to share information, resources and activities while maintaining their legal autonomy and independence. The research highlights a logical loop in which the different antecedents or critical success factors of the networks, described in the literature, are connected: commitment is related to trust, cooperation and transparency, and requires some features of cultural compatibility and a certain balance in dissimilarities and relatedness; competition and conflict inside and outside the network can be managed by nurturing personal relationships; and network success can be appreciated in terms of the ongoing commitment of the participating companies.
Antecedents and critical success factors in contractual networks: new insights from Italian case studies
CANTELE, SILVIA;VERNIZZI, Silvia
2014-01-01
Abstract
The literature on strategic alliances shows what are the antecedents of their performance, considering some behavioural and firm attributes. This paper intends to contribute to the existing literature by investigating how the antecedents blend and contribute effectively to the success of networks in realising those strategic aims not achievable by single firms. In line with the explanatory nature of our research objective, we chose a theoretical sampling case-study approach, analysing two Italian business network contracts. The “business network contract” is a tool introduced in 2009 by Italian law to improve firms’ competitiveness and innovation attitude; It is a private agreement between two or more firms aimed at exchanging information or services, collaborating in determined fields to attain the firms’ business purposes or jointly managing common activities. The business network contract is a form of structured and flexible cooperation that allows firms to share information, resources and activities while maintaining their legal autonomy and independence. The research highlights a logical loop in which the different antecedents or critical success factors of the networks, described in the literature, are connected: commitment is related to trust, cooperation and transparency, and requires some features of cultural compatibility and a certain balance in dissimilarities and relatedness; competition and conflict inside and outside the network can be managed by nurturing personal relationships; and network success can be appreciated in terms of the ongoing commitment of the participating companies.
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