STRUCTURING INTERFIRM RELATIONSHIPS - A METAANALYTIC APPROACH

In this paper we use a multi-disciplinary perspective to identify two fundamental dimensions which characterize the structuring of inter-fir m relations: contractual coordination and procedural coordination. Con tractual coordination refers to the mutual exchange of rights among th e parties involved. Procedural coordination refers to the mutual excha nge of information among the parties. Through a quantitative meta-anal ysis of 32 empirical studies we show that both dimensions are influenc ed by the same underlying constructs; that they fulfil different but c omplementary roles in the governance of the relationship; and how thei r systemic fit impacts the performance of the relationship. These resu lts are discussed to highlight their implications for the design of in ter-organizational research.