Boundary resource interactions in solution networks

Ruiqi Wei, Róisín Vize and Susi Geiger
Additional contact information
Ruiqi Wei: EM - EMLyon Business School

Post-Print from HAL

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to explore the interactions between two different and potentially complementary boundary resources in coordinating solution networks in a digital platform context: boundary spanners (those individuals who span interorganizational boundaries) and boundary interfaces (the devices that help coordinate interfirm relationships, e.g. electronic data interchanges, algorithms or chatbots). Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a multiple case study of three firms using digital platforms to coordinate solution networks in the information communication technology and lighting facility industries. Data were collected from 30 semi-structured interviews, which are complemented by secondary data. Findings As task complexity increases, smarter digital interfaces are adopted. When the intelligence level of interfaces is low or moderate, they are only used as tools by boundary spanners or to support boundary spanners' functions. When the intelligence level of interfaces is high or very high, boundary spanners design the interfaces and let them perform tasks autonomously. They are also sometimes employed to complement interfaces' technological limitations and customers' limited user ability. Research limitations/implications The industry contexts of the cases may influence the results. Qualitative case data has limited generalizability. Practical implications This study offers a practical tool for solution providers to effectively deploy boundary employees and digital technologies to offer diverse customized solutions simultaneously. Originality This study contributes to the solution business literature by putting forward a framework of boundary resource interactions in coordinating solution networks in a digital platform context. It contributes to the boundary spanning literature by revealing the shifting functions of boundary spanners and boundary interfaces.

Keywords: Business-to-business marketing; Solutions; Networks; Digital platforms; Boundary spanners; Boundary interfaces (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022-02-02
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Published in European Journal of Marketing, 2022, 56 (2), 532-561 p

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04325586

Access Statistics for this paper

More papers in Post-Print from HAL
Bibliographic data for series maintained by CCSD ().