Authors: Christopher Medlin; Virpi Havila
This paper tackles the research question of how time and timing influence the nature of business interaction processes. The paper begins by considering time in business networks. Next we consider theoretical perspectives of time, timing and different times. This leads to development of a conceptual model concerning how time periods, timing, coordination, synchronization, duration and sequencing influence and shape the pace of interaction between actors in a business network.Next a longitudinal case study is presented of the closure of a motor vehicle manufacturing plant. This case study allows an analysis of the interaction processes based on different time periods within the plant closure process. Variations in interaction pace can be directly attributed to time periods created in the business cultures of the firms involved in the plant closure.Finally, our understanding of time and timing and how they influence interaction processes allows some comment of the role of time/s in coordination and synchronizing across interfaces in business networks. Conversely, some comments can be made concerning how interaction processes shape construction of time. The final sections provide managerial implications and opportunities for future research.
Journal: n.a. (n.a. – n.a.)
Web Address: n.a.
Publish Year: 2012
Conference: Rome, Italy (2012)