The varying organizational arrangements between firms 'networks' are a growing field of study for economics and sociologists. Whether described as strategic alliances, trading networks, joint ventures, or regarded as a product of industry structure or local conditions, they are seen as a form of economic co-ordination distinct from archetypal ideas of firms and markets. The purpose of this collectionwith contributions from European and American scholarsis to blend empirical research with conceptual discussion of networks under three main headings: Resource Flows, Mutual Expectations, and Information Flows. The contributors come from varying backgrounds: organization studies, economics, business history, marketing, and information systems. Together they are concerned with when, why, and how firms engage in inter-organizational networking, rather than relying on arms-length market relations or in-house procurement.
Reviews
The book is admitted to be more research orientated than practice orientated. Nevertheless, the papers do provide important insights that will reward practical managers. * Cooper H. Langford, Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, Vol. 13, No.1, 2001 *
The prominence given to analysis of the role of trust is most appropriate and the effort made to enrich the literature of this subject with a deconstruction of the concept is quite valuable. * Cooper H. Langford, Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, Vol. 13, No.1, 2001 *
it provides a comprehensive review of the research directions that have influenced attitutes toward the phenomena of inter-organizational network formation among firms * Cooper H. Langford, Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, Vol. 13, No.1, 2001 *
a major study ... draws on a remarkable range of primary an secondary material and is highly readable ... The breadth o the book, the issues it tackles and its findings make it an outstanding piece of research that will be widely read and appreciated. * Mark Thatcher, West European Politics, Vol.23, No. 4, Oct.2000. *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198296027
Author Mark Ebers
Format Paperback
Page Count 316
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 466g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 157mm * 19mm