Systemic Practice and Action Research

, Volume 19, Issue 5, pp 461–473 | Cite as

Systemic View of Interorganisational Relationships: An Analysis of Business Networks

  • Flávia Angeli Ghisi
  • Dante Pinheiro Martinelli
Original Paper
First Online:

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.

Keywords

Business networks Interorganisational networks Systemic view 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2006

Authors and Affiliations

  • Flávia Angeli Ghisi
    • 1
  • Dante Pinheiro Martinelli
    • 2
  1. 1.Faculty of EconomyBusiness and Accounting in Ribeirão Preto (FEA-RP/USP), Rua IguapeRibeirão PretoBrazil
  2. 2.Faculdadede EconomiaAdministração e Contabilidade Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São PauloRibeirão PretoBrazil

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