Corporate reputation past and future: a review and integration of existing literature and a framework for future research

The concept of corporate reputation is steadily growing in interest among management researchers and practitioners. In this article, we trace key milestones in the development of reputation literature over the past six decades to suggest important research gaps as well as to provide contextual background for a subsequent integration of approaches and future outlook. In particular we explore the need for better categorised outcomes; a wider range of causes; and a deeper understanding of contingencies and moderators to advance the field beyond its current state while also taking account of developments in the macro business environment. The article concludes by presenting a novel reputation framework that integrates insights from reputation theory and studies, outlines gaps in knowledge and offers directions for future research

Questions about Network Dynamics: Characteristics, Structures, and Interactions

Hakansson and Ford (2002) raised some fundamental, yet essential, questions regarding networks. Specifically, they asked “What is a network? ” and “How should companies interact in business networks? ” By raising and examining these questions the authors demonstrate a number of paradoxes intrinsic to the nature of business networks for practitioners. In an attempt to continue this analysis of networks and the conundrums they present to managers and their companies, this paper raises further questions about networks. The questions address yet unanswered issues regarding network characteristics, interactions, structures and their associated dynamics. The speculation regarding these questions leads the reader further into the realm of managing within networks and the concomitant realization of markets as networks

Effects of ICT-enabled social capital on inter-organizational relationships and performance: empirical evidence from an emerging economy

© 2018 Commonwealth Secretariat Social capital is an influential concept in understanding why and how some firms do better in inter-organizational relationships (IORs). It is an important factor in developing relationships of trust, making the basis for better collaboration among individuals, groups, and organizations. This paper presents findings from an empirical study of the effect of multiple dimensions of Social Capital and the moderating role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on inter-bank strategic collaboration in Sri Lanka, a developing context. The theoretical model is validated using partial least squares-based structural equation modeling based on survey and secondary data. The findings suggest that there is a strong positive combined effect of social capital and ICT toward inter-firm strategic alliances. The results contribute to both social capital theory and theories of ICT for development. It will also contribute to a more holistic perspective that incorporates social, technical, and organizational aspects for building effective strategies