Position and role-conceptualizing dynamics in business networks

The authors propose a deeper and intensified study of dynamics in business networks. They argue that although changeability is often claimed to be an important feature of networks, this characteristic has been somewhat disregarded in research. The authors, addressing in particular the industrial network research, suggest a more elaborate framework for a better understanding of business dynamics as a social process, containing both a stability and a change dimension. Inspired by role theory they introduce the position concept as the stability dimension, and the role concept as the change dimension. In this way, the dynamic nature of the network structure can be elucidated more explicitly. The authors argue that the dynamics in business networks can be further explored by using their suggested position-and-role framework, which is illustrated in two cases, one from the food-distribution industry and one from advertising.