Abstract
This study explores how networked companies collaborate depending on the different systems of internal relationships adopted. Within the variables that determine the structural mix of networking rules, we chose to analyze (i) the nature of the activities performed, (ii) the intensity of the relationships and (iii) the level of involvement of partners in the strategic decision-making process of the network. This study was carried out on a sample of 100 network agreements. We analyzed: the rules for (i) the regulation of financial engagement between partners, (ii) the inter-company information system, (iii) the operational decision-making power and (iv) its links with the legal effects on individual participants and (v) the existence of a common capital fund. The research allows to identify three approaches to the definition of governance regulation and internal relationships. We propose a classification that goes beyond the current models of formal networking, distinguishing between rigid networks for sharing, flexible networks for sharing and quasi-informal networks. The model adopts a multi-dimensional analysis of business networks. The originality of the work is to be found in the sample observed that features formalized networks comparable from a legal viewpoint, as they all adopt standardized network agreements available in the Italian context.
RÉSUMÉ
Cette étude explore comment les entreprises en réseau collaborent selon différents systèmes de relations internes adoptés. Parmi les variables qui déterminent le dosage structurel des règles de mise en réseau, nous avons choisi d’analyser (i) la nature des activités réalisées, (ii) l’intensité des relations et (iii) le niveau d’implication des partenaires dans le processus décisionnaire stratégique du réseau. Cette étude a été réalisée dans un échantillon de cent accords de réseau. Nous avons analysé: les règles pour (i) la régulation des engagements financiers entre partenaires, (ii) le système d’information inter-entreprises, (iii) le pouvoir de la prise de décision opérationnelle et (iv) ses liens avec les effets juridiques sur les participants individuels et (v) l’existence d’un fonds de capital commun. La recherche permet d’identifier trois approches de la définition de la régulation de la gouvernance et des relations internes. Nous proposons une classification qui va au-delà des modèles actuels de la mise en réseau formelle, en faisant une distinction entre les réseaux rigides et flexibles pour le partage, et les réseaux quasi-informels. Le modèle adopte une analyse multidimensionnelle des réseaux d’entreprises. L’originalité de cette étude repose sur l’échantillon observé qui se caractérise par des réseaux formalisés, comparables d’un point de vue juridique, puisqu’ils adoptent tous des accords de réseaux standardisés disponibles dans le contexte italien.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes
1 In 2009, an Italian law introduced the formalization of business networks as “an agreement by which different companies agree to cooperate in order to increase, either individually [..] and collectively [..] their innovative capabilities and competitiveness in the market”. The Report of Infocamere on business networks in Italy updated as of 3 July 2018 shows 4.776 network contracts stipulated involving 29.803 companies.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Maurizio Cisi
Maurizio Cisi is professor of Management at the University of Torino, Italy. His field of research is SMEs’ financial and non-financial disclosure. Responsible of the CPAs group on business networks. He published on several international journals. http://www.ecoaz.unito.it/do/docenti.pl/Show?hits=140;sort=DEFAULT;_id=mcisi; http://www.center4sharedvalue.org/en/
Fabio Sansalvadore
Fabio Sansalvadore, Ph.D. in Business and Management, CPA, is adjunct professor of Management at the University of Torino. He focuses his interests on business networks and on IFRS accounting. He is Member of the Board of the Association of Youth Certified Accountants. Consultant for profit and not for profit institutions and companies.