Coordination and virtualization: The role of electronic networks and personal relationships

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Kraut, R; Steinfield, C; Chan, AP; Butler, B; Hoag, A
• 署名单位: Carnegie Mellon University; Michigan State University; Cornell University; Carnegie Mellon University; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park
• 刊物名称: ORGANIZATION SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1047-7039
• DOI: 10.1287/orsc.10.6.722
• 发表日期: 1999
• 页码: 722-740
• 关键词: virtual organizations; COORDINATION; interfirm transactions; IT networks; Outsourcing

摘要

One view holds that organizations are virtual to the extent that they outsource key components of their production processes, and that electronic networks make if easier to do this. The goal of the present paper is to examine explicitly the effects that use of electronic networks for transactions with suppliers has on firms' degree of virtualization. In so doing, we also highlight factors that influence the use of networks for coordination with suppliers, and the impact such use has on coordination success. Contrary to much recent speculation, the use of electronic networks for transactions was not associated with increased outsourcing, but rather with greater dependence on internal production. Moreover, the use of interpersonal relationships for coordination, which many think of as an alternative to electronic network use, was positively associated with greater network use. Surprisingly, use of electronic networks was negatively associated with such outcomes as order quality and efficiency, and satisfaction with suppliers, while more reliance on personal linkages was associated with better outcomes and mitigated the negative consequences of using electronic networks.