Authors: Ann-Charlott Pedersen; Elsebeth Holmen; Espen Gressetvold; Magnar Forbord; Tim Torvatn
In this paper we discuss the assumption of heterogeneity within the IMP Perspective. We claim that the assumption of heterogeneity in the IMP Perspective actually comprises two assumptions: (A) that the value of a single resource depends on the combination in which it is used, and (B) that a single resource is always unique in the sense that it always differs from other resources. Furthermore, and on the basis of the main sources of the concept of heterogeneity, we claim that even if we assume that any resource is always heterogeneous, in both the (A) and the (B) sense, it is important to realise that the heterogeneity is neither always considered nor always made use of. In other words, we suggest that it is important to also consider ?that?, ?how? and ?why? resource heterogeneity is disregarded. That is, we need to consider that actors choose between heterogeneity-exploring and homogeneity-creating action strategies. We discuss and exemplify how heterogeneity of both type (A) and (B) can be (1) disregarded or (2) made use of. In doing so we make use of the framework by Håkansson and Waluszewski (2002) who propose that it is useful to analyse networks in terms of four types of resources: products, facilities, business units and relationships. We propose that all four resource entities are heterogeneous in the (A) as well as the (B) sense, and that for each type of resource entity, both types of heterogeneity can be either (1) disregarded or (2) made use of. Throughout the paper, we make use of a case study for exemplifying the different conceptual types, we put forward, and the observation that these conceptual types are always mixed when action is taken in real, empirical settings. Thereby, we suggest (a) that managers always use only a fraction of and disregard most of both types of heterogeneity of those resources which they use and consider for creating efficiency and effectiveness in networks, and (b) that we need more research into how and why managers do so. Finally, we suggest that the concept of homogeneity as ?disregarded heterogeneity?, in effect, is necessary for explaining the possibility of development as well as the existence of relationships.Keywords: IMP Perspective resources heterogeneity homogeneity bounded rationality
Journal: ( – )
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Publish Year: 2003
Conference: Lugano, Switzerland (2003)