The dynamics of cooperation: proposal of a life cycle model of small-firm networks

Authors

  • Douglas Wegner PhD in Administration from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
  • Heron Sérgio Moreira Begnis PhD in Agribusiness from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
  • Rejane Maria Alievi PhD in Administration from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
  • Alisson Eduardo Maehler PhD in Administration from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13037/gr.vol32n94.2805

Abstract

The dynamics of interorganizational networks (IONs) is not yet extensively studied in the organizational theory and limited contributions have been made to practical management. This study aims to review the theory surrounding IONs life cycle and propose a model adapted to the features of small-firm networks (SFNs). A preliminary model was developed and seven dimensions for analysis were identified from a theoretical review and interviews with experts. As a result, this article presents a SFN life cycle model composed of six stages and their respective descriptions: Conception, Birth & Formalization, Development, Consolidation & Maturity, Decline and Dissolution. The presence of transformation or restructuring periods is pointed out as necessary for the networks to remain attractive over time or to reverse a declining trend.

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Author Biographies

Douglas Wegner, PhD in Administration from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil

Doutor em Administração pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Professor do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração da Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS)

Heron Sérgio Moreira Begnis, PhD in Agribusiness from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil

Doutor em Agronegócios pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Professor do Mestrado Profissional em Administração da Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC).

Rejane Maria Alievi, PhD in Administration from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil

Doutora em Administração pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Professora do Mestrado Profissional em Administração da Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC).

Alisson Eduardo Maehler, PhD in Administration from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil

Doutor em Administração pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Professor do Mestrado em Desenvolvimento Territorial e Sistemas Agroindustriais da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL)

Published

2016-03-29

How to Cite

Wegner, D., Begnis, H. S. M., Alievi, R. M., & Maehler, A. E. (2016). The dynamics of cooperation: proposal of a life cycle model of small-firm networks. Gestão & Regionalidade, 32(94). https://doi.org/10.13037/gr.vol32n94.2805