Relational interaction processes in project networks: The consent and negotiation perspectives

Mia Larson and Ewa Wikström

Scandinavian Journal of Management, 2007, vol. 23, issue 3, 327-352

Abstract: This article seeks to describe and understand relational interaction processes in project networks, and suggests that there is a connection between the characteristics of a project network and the type of interactions within it. We suggest that time, legitimacy and power structure determine the type of interaction processes that occur. Four case studies of service-producing project networks show that relational interaction processes tend to change over time--shifting between the dimensions of consent and negotiation. Project networks seeking to acquire legitimacy are characterised by consent-based interaction processes such as mapping by rhetoric and maintaining an element of vagueness. Legitimate project networks are, on the other hand, characterised by negotiation-based interaction processes such as meetings between the representatives of different interests. Thus, actors in different types of project network adopt different interaction strategies in managing project networks with a view to creating legitimacy or mutual commitment.

Keywords: Project; network; Negotiation; Consent; Productive; and; reproductive; interaction; Legitimacy-building; Commitment-building (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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