The interaction & network approach

Question 1

What are some keywords of importance for the interaction and network approach?

Answer 1

1. Complexity
2. Relationships as investments - long-term nature
3. Adaptations
4. Reciprocal trust, rather than formality
5. Power and dependence
6. Conflict and cooperation

Question 2

The IMP Group Interaction Model ?

Answer 2

The IMP Group Interaction Model explores ongoing, dynamic interactions between organizations in business-to-business relationships. It emphasizes actor roles, resource interfaces, and interactive episodes within a network, recognizing the adaptive nature of these interactions to achieve positive outcomes.

Question 3

What is the base for seeing business markets as networks?

Answer 3

Business relationships between companies impact and is impacted by other business relationships

Question 4

Key relationship variables in BMP?

Answer 4

1. Risks and its management
2. Distribution of transaction costs
3. Dependence, power and its exercise, switching cost
4. Social embeddedness, trust and commitment
5. Interaction processes

Question 5

Explain the network model “ARA”?

Answer 5

Activities (links)
Links resources, exchanging resources, include transactional acts, transformation acts, activity cycles

Resources (ties)
Are human, physical or mutually dependent resources

Actors (bonds)
They control resources, knowledge about resources. Perform the activities.

Question 6

The character of a relationship changes over time. Explain the stages of relationship development

Answer 6

1. Pre-relationship
2. Exploratory
3. Developing
4. Stable

Each phase has a certain character with regard for example, learning, investments, adaptations, trust and distance (social, technological, cultural, time)

Question 7

What is sustainability diffusion in supply networks?

Answer 7

If a “first” company takes sustainability intitiatives. Then puts direct pressure on its first tier supplier (the power structure that exists in supply networks), through coercive power. It usually doesnt spread to third or second tier. In some cases reward power worked.

I dont even know

Question 8

Name three networks of different characters

Answer 8

Activity centered networks
* Automotive industry
* Coordination of activities are crucial

Resource centered networks
* Paper industry
* Resource use is crucial

Actor centered networks
* Dominated by large and powerful companies
* Fashion industry (nike, benetton)

Question 9

Modes of network management

Answer 9

Basically coordinated
* Necessary for minimum degree of network management

Control oriented
* Intended to prevent opportunistic behavior and keep focus on well established expectations

Reward oriented
* More about obtaining goodwill from network participants when expectations aren’t clear

Question 10

How is a company networks position defined?

Answer 10

By the characteristics of the companys relationships and the benefits and obligations that arise from them. Can be strategical to change network position