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Paper info: Participation and Opportunity Building in Multi-stakeholder Networks: The Case of a MNC and an Environmental NGO saving the Baltic Sea

Title


Participation and Opportunity Building in Multi-stakeholder Networks: The Case of a MNC and an Environmental NGO saving the Baltic Sea

Authors


Asta Salmi
Helsinki School of Economics
Finland
Asta Salmi , Christina Huitfeldt,
Per Andersson
Stockholm School of Economics
Sweden
Per Andersson and
Tiina Ritvala
Helsinki School of Economics
Finland
Tiina Ritvala

Place of Publication


The paper was published at the 27th IMP-conference in Glasgow, Scotland in 2011.

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Abstract


Abstract: This paper aims at understanding the relationship dynamics between actors in crosssector
collaboration to solve complex social issues. In particular, we look at the relationship
dynamics and activities between one multinational company (MNC) and one non-governmental
organization (NGO) and at the network effects of this interaction. Cooperation context is formed by
the efforts to improve the environmental state of water, and the Baltic Sea, in particular. Our key
aim is to analyze how the MNC’s participation in the multi-stakeholder network reflects in its
external and internal networks. Our empirical case illustrates the early network dynamics evident in
the cross-sector collaboration. It shows that an initiative by the NGO to participate in environmental
work was actively adopted within the MNC and led to network changes both internally (within the
MNC) and externally (outside the MNC). Changes concerned both activation of potential, existing
links (within the MNC) and establishment of new links with new actors, such as authorities and
research institutes. Our analysis illustrates the embeddedness of MNC networks, where local actions
(of the subsidiary) overlap with and become strengthened by actions in the regional and global
networks (the representatives of the head-quarters). In particular, it shows that a common ground
for cooperation that coincides with the company’s business interests (in this case, the technological
development basis in ICT) is needed for the multi-stakeholder cooperation to take off. The study
also points at some challenges, such as role ambiguities in cross-sector collaboration.
Simultaneously, we propose that for firms, participation in multi-stakeholder networks, while
calling for some risk-taking, may provide for future business and innovation potential.
Key words: multi-stakeholder networks, cross-sector social partnerships, environment, ICT