Lauriane Robert, Rachel Bocquet and Elodie Gardet
This study aims to identify intra-organisational drivers that enhance the implementation of a purchasing social responsibility (PSR) approach and drivers that influence PSR…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify intra-organisational drivers that enhance the implementation of a purchasing social responsibility (PSR) approach and drivers that influence PSR throughout the phases of the process.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual framework presents PSR as a process, rather than merely a decision. It focuses on three dimensions (centralisation, specialisation and formalisation) to highlight the role and evolution of key drivers through a three-phase process (set-up, operating and sustaining). The empirical analysis is based on a single qualitative case study of Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF), France’s state-owned railway company, which is particularly advanced in its PSR-related practices.
Findings
The intra-organisational drivers differ according to the phase of the PSR process. Transitions across the three phases entail organisational adaptation, which require the company to transform from a mechanistic to an organic structure.
Research limitations/implications
This research contributes to a better understanding of the PSR implementation process through an in-depth study focused on intra-organisational drivers. Although relatively understudied, these drivers play important roles.
Practical implications
This study identifies operational, intra-organisational leverage actions that can benefit firms that aim to adopt or maintain a PSR approach. It also provides comprehensive guidance for activating these leverages throughout the PSR implementation process, and it helps firms identify their level of PSR.
Originality/value
This study proposes the first processual, organisational interpretation of PSR approaches.
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Keywords
Elodie Gardet and Caroline Mothe
The objective of this research is to identify and characterize the coordination systems used by SME hub firms that are in a situation of dependence with respect to other members…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this research is to identify and characterize the coordination systems used by SME hub firms that are in a situation of dependence with respect to other members of their network, taking into account the influence of hub firm size.
Design/methodology/approach
Seven case studies were carried out: six innovation networks in which SMEs play a central role are compared with a “reference” case, in which the hub firm is a large company.
Findings
The authors' qualitative empirical analysis of seven innovation projects showed that: the sharing of benefits and the guarantees that are implemented vary depending on the hub firm's degree of dependence; trust and recourse to formal agreements differ according to hub firm size; and conflict solving is influenced by both hub firm size and degree of dependence.
Practical implications
Results have important implications for the management of innovation networks which are increasingly important for the development of SMEs. The knowledge of the adequate coordination mechanism is central for a SME hub firm and the success of the innovation project.
Originality/value
Investigations into the internal operation of inter‐organizational networks have become increasingly common. Nevertheless, empirical studies are still rare, particularly in the field of innovation networks and even more in the case of networks set up by small firms. This article partially fills this gap.
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Véronique Favre-Bonté, Elodie Gardet and Catherine Thevenard-Puthod
Unlike industrial innovations, service innovations cannot be protected by patents or designs. Thus, the implementation of innovation networks is often crucial to generate a…
Abstract
Purpose
Unlike industrial innovations, service innovations cannot be protected by patents or designs. Thus, the implementation of innovation networks is often crucial to generate a sustainable competitive advantage. The focus in this paper is the main forms of inter-organizational networks that have led to service innovations. More precisely, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the characteristics of inter-organizational networks and the type of service innovations developed.
Design/methodology/approach
A typology of service innovations and a network analysis framework allowed us to examine the innovations implemented by two major French ski areas: Portes du Soleil and Paradiski. In total, the authors analyse the structure of 12 innovation networks.
Findings
The results show that, depending on the type of innovation implemented, networks differ in terms of type of partners involved and geographical scope. However, regardless of the innovation developed, it seems necessary to have a central actor to orchestrate the various partners and to use an economic regulation mode.
Practical implications
This paper gives advice to managers involved in touristic innovations management about the network they may build. For example, ski resorts that want to develop new offers must be open to external partners (companies that do not belong to the tourism industry and/or are not geographically localized in the resort).
Originality/value
The research documents characteristics of services innovation networks, a type of industry little studied as innovation researchers focused mainly on manufacturing firms.