TYPOLOGY OF BUSINESS NETWORKS IN EASTERN EUROPE: COMPARATIVE CASE STUDIES 1

摘要: Dr. Emanuela Todeva INTRODUCTION The debates on privatisation and company restructuring in Central Eastern Europe (CEE) have been almost entirely dominated by the argument that is only means for enterprise restructuring. Our secondary analysis of a number published case studies aims to highlight new dimension transition process, introduce structural dependencies barriers change, usually underestimated academic literature. We analyse factors reported cases determine performance, particularly those related government policies, industrial linkages, managerial strategies survival turbulent environment. concept ‘business network’ used this paper describe regular repetitive transactions an maintains with its suppliers buyers within value chain (see also Porter, 1991). term ‘network’ includes complexity relations between companies, based past contractual arrangements present business links . information these linkages rarely cases. However, through available we some main buyers, suppliers, agencies, their transformation under market conditions. BUSINESS NETWORK STUDIES IN TRANSITION ECONOMIES literature networks suggests firms establish long-term relationships order reduce transaction risk (Meyer, 1998), increase resource commitments profitable assets, positions (Johanson Mattson 1988), control (Todeva, 2000). Meyer (1998) argues assumptions neoclassical model hold markets, such as raw materials, natural resources, agricultural goods. In industries, where marketing, customised supplies sales, business-to-business predominate, are not viable option businesses, due high search costs, costs (Casson Cox, 1997), contract monitoring (Jarillo, 1988) potential enforcement unreliable partners. Businesses attempt enhance uncertainty management competencies establishing governments, influence law regulation, use allies co-operative (Clarke Varma, 1999). establishment interdependent network explained dependence theory (Van de Ven, 1976, Pfeffer, 1987), more recently, cost 1997). According Davis, Patterson, Grazin, enabling conditions include trust relationships, domain consensus, sharing, sharing gains from exchange (Davis, et.al., 1996). authors argue, without conditions, even well developed would collapse attempts opportunistic behaviour. framework,