Mutual commitment to support exchange: Relation-specific IT system as a substitute for managerial hierarchy

• 成果类型: Review
• 署名作者: Kim, SM; Mahoney, JT
• 署名单位: University of Illinois System; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; University System of Ohio; Cleveland State University
• 刊物名称: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0143-2095
• DOI: 10.1002/smj.527
• 发表日期: 2006
• 页码: 401-423
• 关键词: electronic integration; mutual commitment; relation-specific IT system

摘要

This paper examines the effects of information technology (IT) on the governance of vertically related firms. We propose that a highly relation-specific IT system in inter-firm transactions plays a key role in the resulting inter-firm governance as a mutual sunk-cost commitment, in terms of leading to both less vertical integration (i.e., a change in governance mode as a first-order effect) and a smaller number of suppliers (i.e., a change within a governance mode as a second order effect). As a result, this highly relation-specific IT system (bilateral investment) can be an alternative governance mode of electronic integration that acts as a substitute for managerial hierarchy), and vertical financial ownership. From a strategic management perspective, this paper provides transaction costs and resource-based explanations on IT systems' impact on the organizational boundary decision and its impact on the likelihood of the firm achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.