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Paradoxes and Tensions in Interorganizational Relationships: A Systematic Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Marcos Vinícius Bitencourt Fortes

    (Business School, Unisinos University, Porto Alegre 91330-002, RS, Brazil)

  • Lara Agostini

    (Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Douglas Wegner

    (Business School, FDC|Fundação Dom Cabral, Nova Lima 34018-006, MG, Brazil)

  • Anna Nosella

    (Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy)

Abstract

This paper examines the literature on paradoxes and tensions in interorganizational relationships (IORs) and identifies how such tensions are managed in interorganizational settings. In a systematic literature review, we analyzed 95 papers published between 1997 and 2021 on the subject of paradoxes in IORs. The sample showed a variety of paradoxes occurring in different interorganizational contexts, such as knowledge sharing and protection, short- and long-term orientation, and exploration and exploitation. The diversity of such paradoxes has led to crescent interest in cooperation. Our main results show that contextual factors and management practices influence the balance between paradoxes. Although the particular context of each IOR may be unique in terms of balancing paradoxical elements, we identified a set of “pre-tension practices” and “post-tension practices” which may help avoid the emergence of tensions or reduce their adverse effects. The findings of our systematic literature review have also enabled us to propose future research avenues concerning managing tensions in IORs, for instance, the link between paradoxes and IOR performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcos Vinícius Bitencourt Fortes & Lara Agostini & Douglas Wegner & Anna Nosella, 2023. "Paradoxes and Tensions in Interorganizational Relationships: A Systematic Literature Review," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jjrfmx:v:16:y:2023:i:1:p:35-:d:1026036
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alireza Ahmadsimab & Imran Chowdhury, 2021. "Managing Tensions and Divergent Institutional Logics in Firm–NPO Partnerships," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 168(3), pages 651-670, January.
    2. Siv Vangen & Nik Winchester, 2014. "Managing Cultural Diversity in Collaborations: A focus on management tensions," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(5), pages 686-707, June.
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