Informal governance in the digital transformation

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore if and how informal governance mechanisms are used for coordinating actors of digitalized supply networks. Design/methodology/approach: A multiple case study analysis of ten German firms in digitalized supply networks is conducted. Data are collected through semi-structured expert interviews with interviewees having notable years of professional experience in purchasing or sales. Findings: This research shows that reduced personal contacts in digitalized supply networks decrease the ability to coordinate with informal governance mechanisms. However, the need for informal governance in digitalized supply networks remains when facing supply network disruptions or building new business relationships. Originality/value: This is the first study examining the role of informal governance mechanisms in digitalized supply networks. Theoretical and practical insights on the changing abilities and needs to use informal governance after the digital transformation are given.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1060-1084
Number of pages25
Journal International journal of operations & production management : IJOPM ; the official journal of the European Operations Management Association, EUROMA
Volume41
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85111620062
ORCID /0000-0003-2340-1731/work/142244940
ORCID /0000-0001-6942-3763/work/142252896
Mendeley 55d13590-d98c-36e6-a2cd-c18e8d4dfcdd

Keywords

Keywords

  • Data analytics, Digitalization, Multiple case study, Informal governance mechanism, Transparency, Digitalization, Multiple case study, Data analytics