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Systemic View of Interorganisational Relationships: An Analysis of Business Networks

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Abstract

Business networks are formed by organisations with common interests. Inter-firm relations can bring to the companies involved an important contribution in the innovation processes: stimulating the division and sharing of scientific and technical information. This union between companies seems to be an appropriate alternative to promote the organisation's effectiveness. Considering the relevance of inter-organisation networks, their consolidation and the need to understand their essence as a mechanism of competitive advantage, this study is a theoretical reflection on the development of business networks and their proliferation. Using multiple perspectives, the paper discusses the classic authors, as well as contemporary references. It also analyzes the concept of networks and their importance, from a system's perspective.

The systemic analysis emphasizes a holistic interpretation, considers the environment, the interdependence of the parts and the business inter-organisation actions. More than a theory, the systemic view can be understood as a model of empirical analysis, used to better understand complex phenomena. Considering inter-organisational relations, the systemic approach consists of the mechanism to understand the dynamics of business networks, their interface, especially considering their role in gaining a competitive advantage. The results discussed in this paper can bring a rich understanding of the role of networks for companies that participate in this initiative.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Economy, Business and Accounting in Ribeirão Preto (FEA-RP/USP), Rua Iguape, 603 apto. 25, CEP 14090-090, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil

    Flávia Angeli Ghisi

  2. Faculdadede Economia, Administração e Contabilidade Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

    Dante Pinheiro Martinelli

Authors
  1. Flávia Angeli Ghisi
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  2. Dante Pinheiro Martinelli
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Correspondence to Flávia Angeli Ghisi.

Additional information

Flávia was sponsored in her Ph.D by CAPES, a Foundation subordinated to the Ministry of Education of Brazil.

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Ghisi, F.A., Martinelli, D.P. Systemic View of Interorganisational Relationships: An Analysis of Business Networks. Syst Pract Act Res 19, 461–473 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-006-9036-2

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