Inter-firm co-ordination: international versus domestic buyer–seller relationships

The use of transaction cost analysis (TCA) to study the choice of governance mode in foreign countries has been a source of considerable research. Empirical tests of the TCA predictions within a single governance mode are, however, limited. Building on transaction costs arguments, and related work in international marketing literature, we examine the association between asset specificity and inter-firm co-ordination in domestic and international buyer–seller relationships. The extant literature is extended by also comparing the impact of environmental uncertainty on inter-firm co-ordination across domestic and international relationships. Empirical findings from a survey of 164 industrial buyers demonstrate that there is a positive association between asset specificity and inter-firm co-ordination, and further that this association is stronger in international relationships than in domestic business-to-business trade. Furthermore, the results indicate that environmental uncertainty is stronger related to inter-firm co-ordination in international buyer–seller relationships compared to domestic buyer–seller relationships.     

Effective cooperation modes based on cultural and market similarities in interfirm relationships

This study explores appropriate cooperation modes based on cultural and market similarities and suggests two alliance cooperation modes: 1) contractual cooperation and 2) relational cooperation. We collected secondary data from diverse sources, including the SDC Platinum, Compustat, and CRSP databases. We examined 349 alliances in high-tech industries from 2001 to 2009. We used an event study methodology to measure abnormal stock returns associated with the announcement of an alliance because it provides a forward-looking metric of expected performance. The results show that equity sharing enhances the positive effects of cultural distance on a focal firm's returns while repeated partnership exacerbates the negative effects of product market similarities on a focal firm's returns. This research contributes to alliance literature, providing explanation for choosing an appropriate cooperation mode considering both transaction cost economics (TCE) and a resource-based view (RBV). This study suggests that the effect of a contractual or relational cooperation mode depends on the competitive or cooperating role of similarity. Additionally, our study tries to provide guidelines for managers in selecting an appropriate cooperation mode depending on the relationship characteristics of the two companies.     

制度环境、风险感知对供应链网络治理模式选择的影响研究

本文以新制度理论与交易成本理论进行对话,从合法性视角构建中国情境下制度环境、风险感知与供应链网络治理模式选择之间影响机理的理论模型。通过问卷调查的方式收集117份有效问卷,并采用结构方程模型方法实证检验制度环境、风险感知对供应链网络治理模式的"形塑"作用。研究结果表明,制度环境是影响供应链网络治理模式选择的重要因素,强制制度对供应链网络治理模式选择具有显著影响,规范制度的影响作用不显著。在供应链网络治理模式选择过程中关系风险感知具有完全中介作用,而绩效风险感知具有部分中介作用。     

Regulation issues in the Italian local transport system: aligning transactions and governance structures

This paper refers to the concept of public governance in the light of Transaction Cost Economics (TCE). While TCE is well developed and widely applied in the private sector, only a few studies have adopted such framework to investigate the provision of public services. We aim at pointing out the coherence between peculiar typologies of transactions and a given set of governance structures, within Local Public Transport systems. The core of the analysis is the alignment between characteristics of transactions and governance structures. The empirical section addresses these issues referring to three case studies, pointing out an articulated organizational configuration in terms of actors involved and governance structures adopted. The analysis shows an alignment between the choices underlying the design of the local transport system and the outcomes expected in terms of TCE.     

Equity versus non-equity international strategic alliances involving Danish firms: An empirical investigation of the relative importance of partner and host country determinants

A substantial literature has evolved focusing on the ownership structure of international strategic alliances (ISAs). Most of the relevant studies are theoretical in nature and concentrate on the conceptual factors that influence the choice between equity and non-equity structures. A smaller number of studies provide some empirical evidence on the importance of some of the conceptual factors. The theoretical literature highlights the potential influence of relational capital and transaction costs as determinants of ISA structure; however, there is little empirical evidence on the relative importance of these potential determinants. Moreover, there is only limited and indirect evidence bearing upon the impact of host country governance attributes on ISA ownership structure. In this study, we provide statistical evidence on the importance of potential determinants of governance mode choice for a sample of ISAs involving Danish firms. Our study documents how the determinants of governance mode choice vary in importance depending upon the “quality” of the governance infrastructure of the host country.     

MNC–SME strategic alliances — A model framing knowledge value as the primary predictor of governance modal choice

This paper addresses a deficit in research on strategic alliance formation which, as noted by Gulati (1998) [Gulati, R., 1998. Alliances and networks. Strategic Management Journal 19, 293–317], has resulted in little attention being given to transaction costs and knowledge-based imperatives for alliance formation. In addition, Contractor and Ra (2002) [Contractor, F.J., Ra, W., 2002. How knowledge attributes influence alliance governance choices: a theory development note. Journal of International Management 8, 11–27] illustrated that theory on governance modal choice from the perspective of transactions costs and knowledge characteristics is underdeveloped, thereby proposing an interactive model predicting governance modal choice in an attempt to redress this imbalance. Using a multiple case study methodology the present study examines the important aspects of governance mode and knowledge exchange in strategic alliances between a multi-national corporation (MNC) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In doing so this paper qualifies the model proposed by Contractor and Ra (2002) [Contractor, F.J., Ra, W., 2002. How knowledge attributes influence alliance governance choices: a theory development note. Journal of International Management 8, 11–27], suggesting a model framing knowledge value as the primary predictor of governance modal choice as an appropriate framework to evaluate both the knowledge exchange relationships and governance modal choice relationships between MNCs and SMEs. Thus this paper advances theory on the motives for alliances, specifically, the effect on governance modal choice of a company's desire to acquire or access knowledge. In addition the paper furthers theory on organisational learning and absorptive capacity focusing on their influence on governance mode, in the context of management strategy.     

公司并购绩效与公司边界:交易费用的视角

公司并购重组是重新确定公司边界的一种有效机制。本文充分整合产权理论、交易费用经济学、影响成本理论以及公司并购协同效应理论,推导出影响公司边界的若干因素,确定出影响公司并购绩效的主要潜在因素,再在此基础上建立一个分析公司并购绩效与公司边界的综合性理论框架。结果发现,资产专用性、影响成本与公司并购协同效应都将对公司边界的调整和公司并购绩效产生决定性的影响,而且这个影响的大小又取决于治理结构、融资工具以及组织结构等诸多因素。     

中国FDI进入模式的影响因素

本文综合交易费用理论和谈判力量理论分析框架,探讨了FDI进入中国市场模式(合资／独资)的影响因素。应用两分Logit模型进行实证分析,结果显示区位因素、来源地因素、投资项目的经营期限以及投资规模都对FDI进入中国市场模式产生了重要的影响,而产业因素的影响则统计不显著。     

我国高技术企业联盟治理结构选择的实证研究

本文以交易成本理论和关系契约理论为基础,研究高技术企业战略联盟治理结构.作者运用108个高技术企业战略联盟的样本数据,对本文提出的基本研究假设进行了实证检验.实证结果揭示了交易成本理论和关系契约理论在联盟治理当中的互补作用,也证明了不确定性和伙伴关系是决定联盟治理结构选择的关键因素.最后,作者对实证结果进行了讨论,并指出了进一步的研究方向.     

Portfolio rebalancing with an investment horizon and transaction costs

In this paper we consider the problem of rebalancing an existing financial portfolio, where transaction costs have to be paid if we change the amount held of any asset. These transaction costs can be fixed (so paid irrespective of the amount traded provided a trade occurs) and/or variable (related to the amount traded). We indicate the importance of the investment horizon when rebalancing such a portfolio and illustrate the nature of the efficient frontier that results when we have transaction costs. We model the problem as a mixed-integer quadratic programme with an explicit constraint on the amount that can be paid in transaction cost. Our model incorporates the interplay between optimal portfolio allocation, transaction costs and investment horizon. We indicate how to extend our model to include cardinality constraints and present a number of enhancements to the model to improve computational performance. Results are presented for the solution of publicly available test problems involving up to 1317 assets.     

Alliance governance choices: Disentangling the effects of uncertainty and alliance experience

This article analyses the interaction between alliance experience and behavioural uncertainty to improve our understanding of alliance governance. We investigate the extent to which the effect of alliance experience on governance choices is explained by a reduction in “mundane” transaction costs or by a reduction in “opportunistic” transaction costs. Based on more than 12,000 firm experiences with equity and non-equity alliances, we demonstrate a reduction in mundane transaction costs over time by firms reusing the same governance structure in successive alliances. We also find that in high behavioural uncertainty alliances, firms rely on their experience as a substitute for equity governance to reduce opportunistic transaction costs.     

Governance Choices for Corporate Social Responsibility: to Contribute,Collaborate or Internalize?

Within a competitive business environment where resources are limited, it is increasingly important for senior management to make every investment count. Measuring ‘return on investment’ occurs at every level of operations—so why not also in the arena of Corporate Social activity? Until now, much research has focused on finding the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and increased business performance. Researchers have not examined the cost implications associated with the different forms of governance utilized by companies to implement their CSR activities, e.g., outsourcing through charitable contributions, developing an in-house program, or creating a more collaborative model, which benefits both the company and the partner nonprofit organization. Careful examination and evaluation of these costs will help senior management choose the governance structure that will maximize the benefits they reap from CSR activities.Drawing upon insights from organizational economics, this article develops a framework to compare the alternative modes of CSR governance and identifies the key drivers that affect governance choice, including associated costs. Most importantly, it provides a decision-making tool that can guide senior management in this vital choice as a way to contribute to the competitive advantage of the firm.     

The Choice of Governance Modes of International Franchise Firms — Development of an Integrative Model

This paper examines the evolution of the international franchise research with special focus on the governance modes of the international franchise firm and develops a new model for the franchisor's choice of the international governance modes. International governance modes in franchising refer to wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture franchising, area development franchising and master franchising. Although many studies on the governance modes of the international franchise firm have been published in the last two decades, no prior study develops an integrative framework that investigates the determinants of the international governance modes by combining organizational economics and strategic management perspectives. Specifically, this study explains the governance modes of the international franchise firm by applying transaction cost theory, agency theory, resource-based and organizational capabilities theory and property rights theory.     

The Impacts of Alliance Purpose and Partner Similarity on Alliance Governance

It is generally recognized that the governance structure of an alliance has an impact on its probability of success. In this study, we examine the choice between two alternative alliance governance structures: equity and non-equity. Drawing from transaction cost economics, two sets of factors, namely alliance purpose (R&D or marketing) and cultural distance between partners, are hypothesized to influence the above choice. We further hypothesize that collaborative R&D alliances, where both parties contribute technical knowledge, are more likely to lead to the formation of equity alliances than non-collaborative research agreements, where only one partner may be doing the research work. Based on a sample of 2407 alliances formed in the global biotechnology industry, we find partial support for the hypothesized relationships. Specifically, we find that collaborative R&D alliances are more likely to be equity alliances, whereas non-collaborative R&D alliances do not have any impact on the choice of the governance form. We also find that alliances formed with a marketing purpose are less likely to be equity alliances. We did not find any relationship between cultural distance and the choice of equity alliances.     

作为企业竞争优势源泉的网络治理--基本的概念分析框架和研究假设

本文以新经济形态下的网络组织交易模式--网络治理为研究对象,试图回答网络治理之所以成为企业竞争优势源泉的原因.为此,本文在新制度经济学交易成本思想的分析背景中,在治理结构连续体的基础上,将网络治理对应于这种分析背景中的混合治理模型展开分析.然后,根据经济学和管理学中已有的治理和战略、价值贡献要素以及竞争优势的规范逻辑关系,得到网络治理和竞争优势的关系.最后,本文应用资源基础论中一个关于企业战略选择价值分析的VRIO模型,尝试解析网络治理作为企业竞争优势源泉的原因,并为此提供了一个基本的概念分析框架和相应的研究假设.     

Shifts of long run average cost curves: Theoretical and managerial implications

Economists have traditionally employed one of two alternative methods when analyzing economies of scale: The long run average cost curve (LRAC curve) and the production function. Only the production function concept, however, has been extended beyond a static framework for analysis of scale economies in a dynamic setting. This paper will extend the traditional, static LRAC curve concept by developing an appropriate dynamic framework. This framework will then be used to analyze the shifts of LRAC curves through time in three major American industries: steel making, cement manufacturing, and electric power generation.The empirical and theoretical topics explored in this study raise issues of both managerial and theoretical concern. These issues include: the relationship between economic plant life and plant size; the existence of scale biases in previous studies of scale economies and current depreciation practices; the accuracy and use of construction cost indexes; and the effects of technological change over extended periods of time. The dynamic framework developed in this study serves several useful purposes. For example, it constitutes a first step toward the development of theories that fill the void between the static theory of LRAC curves and the theories of increasing, decreasing, and constant cost industries. Furthermore, many questions, such as optimal plant or firm size, should be answered in a dynamic framework if appropriate managerial or anti-trust issues are to be considered. Finally, this dynamic framework shifts the emphasis of studies of scale economies back to costs and the use of this framework should result in improved corporate planning and decision making.     

企业多元化战略的选择分析

本文要通过交易费用理论和委托--代理理论分析企业多元化战略的选择;试图解释(1)不同多元化战略的经济利益和管理成本有何差异?(2)为什么企业会选择特定的初始战略?(3)是什么因素决定企业改变原来的战略?本文的目的是为企业在选择多元化战略时提供一个经济利益--管理成本的分析框架.     

Minimum cost network design in strategic alliances

Strategic alliances are established between firms to improve their competitiveness in markets and generally appear in the form of joint ventures. Such collaborative efforts require centralized planning, and the survival of the alliance largely depends on the success of joint planning processes. In this regard, we investigate the opportunities that centralized collaboration can offer to firms when designing their service networks. Apart from the classical fixed and variable costs associated with the network design, we also consider transaction costs induced by the formation of the alliance, which can broadly be defined as cost components related to the coordination and monitoring of the people, efforts and resources. We concentrate on bilateral alliances and develop alternative models for solving their associated network design problem. We also adopt a state-of-the-art heuristic to solve large-scale instances. Our findings confirm that accounting for the transaction cost in network design is vital for the alliance. These transaction costs can be high enough to even render the collaboration unattractive. Hence, careful data collection and model treatment are required before deciding whether to form an alliance.     

双寡头电商平台的收费制度选择博弈

在竞争环境下,考虑两个开放型电商平台寡头主导的电商服务链,两平台对网商的收费制度为注册收费制、交易收费制、两部收费制等三种收费制度构成的策略集,本文构建了两平台的六种收费制度组合模型。通过博弈论逆序求解法和划线法分析发现:当平台的注册服务成本不低于交易服务成本时,两平台对网商的收费制度选择博弈不一定存在均衡,存在则必为其中一方采取交易收费制而另一方采取两部收费制这种分离均衡;反之,两平台对网商的收费制度选择博弈必定存在均衡,且为双方均选择注册收费制这种混同均衡。     

风险集聚类邻避冲突事件随机演化情景分析

随着中国现代城市管理社区制的推行，由公共设施引发的社区冲突逐步凸显，其中，风险集聚类邻避设施成为引发社区冲突的主要诱因。邻避冲突事件演化过程的复杂性和随机扰动要求现有研究不应局限于确定环境下事件的分析，而应在更加真实的不确定环境下对冲突本身展开探讨。鉴于此，本文以演化博弈论为理论基础，引入高斯白噪声随机干扰项，构建风险集聚类邻避冲突事件中营建企业与周边民众两类群体的随机演化博弈模型，对比分析在无政府监管与政府监管情景下群体策略选择行为的随机演化过程，并利用Matlab进行数值仿真。研究发现：（1）无政府监管情景下，当营建企业采取强硬策略收益小于成本，且周边民众采取抗争策略成本大于收益时，（合作，妥协）是其演化均衡策略组合；营建企业与周边民众策略选择演化速度与初始策略选择概率密切相关。（2）政府监管情景下，当政府监管力度大于营建企业采取强硬策略收益与采取合作策略收益之差，且政府监管力度大于周边民众采取抗争策略收益与采取妥协策略收益之差时，（合作，妥协）是其唯一策略演化均衡点；政府监管力度对营建企业策略选择有显着影响，而对周边民众策略选择无显着影响。（3）随机因素对风险集聚类邻避冲突中营建企业与周边民众策略选择行为产生干扰，但随机模型演化趋势与确定性模型相一致。研究结果表明，政府完善监管机制，赋予公民参与权利，企业建立"柔性"冲突协调机制，民众合法表达利益诉求，推动风险集聚类邻避冲突治理框架的构建。