Strategizing processes in business network development: conceptualising roles and positions

Anna-Greta Nyström, Joachim Ramström, Jan-Åke Törnroos

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    Abstract

    The paper focuses on the research gap prevailing in the ongoing research on business dynamics and change processes. We discuss the meaning of roles and positions as means of strategizing in business networks, not only as a tool for analyzing and understanding change in such a context. Three theoretical areas are aligned in order to shed light on how business actors can address their strategic positioning and role in networks. In this vein we propose three processes, which influence strategizing through role and position, namely (i) institutionalization, (ii) sensemaking and (iii) interaction. Changing the role(s) and/or the position of a firm forms a way to strategize and handle relationships within a business network from a strategy-as-practice perspective. Influencing role and position is an important tool for an actor who aims at coping with change in a business network. The conceptual paper contributes to current knowledge by identifying and discussing key processes in strategizing that shape an actor’s role and position.

    Key words: sensemaking, institutionalization, interaction, business network, strategizing

     

    Original languageUndefined/Unknown
    Title of host publicationFormal and Informal relationships in Networks. 6th meeting of the IMP Group in Asia
    EditorsALhusan B F
    Pages
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
    Eventconference; 2014-12-07; 2014-12-10 - Bali, Indonesia
    Duration: 7 Dec 201410 Dec 2014

    Conference

    Conferenceconference; 2014-12-07; 2014-12-10
    Period07/12/1410/12/14

    Keywords

    • Business networks
    • institutionalization

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