IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/sjobre/v61y2009i5d10.1007_bf03373663.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Vertragsgestaltung in der Automobilindustrie: Transaktionsmerkmale, Erfahrungslernen und Wissensmanagement

Author

Listed:
  • Björn Eckhard

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

  • Thomas Mellewigt

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

  • Ingo Weller

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

Abstract

Based on panel data from the German automobile industry we analyze contracts in suppliermanufacturer- alliances. Besides transaction characteristics we analyze organizational learning and knowledge management effects on contract design decisions, where multiple contractual functions (i.e., safeguarding, adaptation, and coordination) are considered. We find that contracts increase in complexity during the six year study window, and that the effect can be traced back to deliberate knowledge management efforts and increasing firm experience. While task interdependence and environmental uncertainty operate on the project level, specificity touches the supplier-manufacturer-relation. We discuss alternative explanations for these results and identify future research avenues.

Suggested Citation

  • Björn Eckhard & Thomas Mellewigt & Ingo Weller, 2009. "Vertragsgestaltung in der Automobilindustrie: Transaktionsmerkmale, Erfahrungslernen und Wissensmanagement," Schmalenbach Journal of Business Research, Springer, vol. 61(5), pages 499-529, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sjobre:v:61:y:2009:i:5:d:10.1007_bf03373663
    DOI: 10.1007/BF03373663
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/BF03373663
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/BF03373663?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bruce Kogut & Udo Zander, 1992. "Knowledge of the Firm, Combinative Capabilities, and the Replication of Technology," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 3(3), pages 383-397, August.
    2. Prencipe, Andrea & Tell, Fredrik, 2001. "Inter-project learning: processes and outcomes of knowledge codification in project-based firms," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 30(9), pages 1373-1394, December.
    3. Ranjay Gulati & Paul R. Lawrence & Phanish Puranam, 2005. "Adaptation in vertical relationships: beyond incentive conflict," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(5), pages 415-440, May.
    4. Kirk Monteverde & David J. Teece, 1982. "Supplier Switching Costs and Vertical Integration in the Automobile Industry," Bell Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 13(1), pages 206-213, Spring.
    5. Rita Gunther McGrath & Ian C. Macmillan & S. Venkataraman, 1995. "Defining and developing competence: A strategic process paradigm," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 16(4), pages 251-275.
    6. Sendil K. Ethiraj & Prashant Kale & M. S. Krishnan & Jitendra V. Singh, 2005. "Where do capabilities come from and how do they matter? A study in the software services industry," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(1), pages 25-45, January.
    7. Reuer, Jeffrey J. & Arino, Africa & Mellewigt, Thomas, 2006. "Entrepreneurial alliances as contractual forms," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 21(3), pages 306-325, May.
    8. Maurizio Zollo & Jeffrey J. Reuer & Harbir Singh, 2002. "Interorganizational Routines and Performance in Strategic Alliances," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(6), pages 701-713, December.
    9. Tietze, Oliver, 2003. "Strategische Positionierung in der Automobibranche : der Einsatz von virtueller Produktentwicklung und Wertschöpfungsnetzwerken," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 20046, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    10. Nooteboom, B. & Berger, H. & Noorderhaven, N.G., 1997. "Effects of trust and governance on relational risk," Other publications TiSEM 8e83932e-064c-40e8-afe7-4, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    11. Kyle J. Mayer & Janet Bercovitz, 2008. "The influence of inertia on contract design: contingency planning in information technology service contracts," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(2-3), pages 149-163.
    12. George P. Huber, 1991. "Organizational Learning: The Contributing Processes and the Literatures," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 2(1), pages 88-115, February.
    13. Maurizio Zollo & Sidney G. Winter, 2002. "Deliberate Learning and the Evolution of Dynamic Capabilities," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(3), pages 339-351, June.
    14. Bello, Daniel C. & Lohtia, Ritu & Dant, Shirish P., 1999. "Collaborative Relationships for Component Development: The Role of Strategic Issues, Production Costs, and Transaction Costs," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 45(1), pages 15-31, May.
    15. Kenneth S. Corts, 2004. "The Effect of Repeated Interaction on Contract Choice: Evidence from Offshore Drilling," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 20(1), pages 230-260, April.
    16. Linda Argote & Bill McEvily & Ray Reagans, 2003. "Managing Knowledge in Organizations: An Integrative Framework and Review of Emerging Themes," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 49(4), pages 571-582, April.
    17. Jeffrey J. Reuer & Africa Ariño, 2007. "Strategic alliance contracts: dimensions and determinants of contractual complexity," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(3), pages 313-330, March.
    18. Georg Fassott, 2006. "Operationalisierung latenter Variablen in Strukturgleichungsmodellen: Eine Standortbestimmung," Schmalenbach Journal of Business Research, Springer, vol. 58(1), pages 67-88, February.
    19. Shannon W. Anderson & Henri C. Dekker, 2005. "Management Control for Market Transactions: The Relation Between Transaction Characteristics, Incomplete Contract Design, and Subsequent Performance," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 51(12), pages 1734-1752, December.
    20. Kyle J. Mayer & Nicholas S. Argyres, 2004. "Learning to Contract: Evidence from the Personal Computer Industry," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 15(4), pages 394-410, August.
    21. Reeg, Marcus, 1998. "Liefer- und Leistungsbeziehungen in der deutschen Automobilindustrie: strukturelle Veränderungen aus unternehmerischer und wirtschaftspolitischer Sicht," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 1212, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    22. Rachelle C. Sampson, 2005. "Experience effects and collaborative returns in R&D alliances," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(11), pages 1009-1031, November.
    23. Akira Takeishi, 2002. "Knowledge Partitioning in the Interfirm Division of Labor: The Case of Automotive Product Development," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(3), pages 321-338, June.
    24. Avadikyan, Arman & Llerena, Patrick & Matt, Mireille & Rozan, Anne & Wolff, Sandrine, 2001. "Organisational rules, codification and knowledge creation in inter-organisation cooperative agreements," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 30(9), pages 1443-1458, December.
    25. M. Bensaou & N. Venkatraman, 1995. "Configurations of Interorganizational Relationships: A Comparison Between U.S. and Japanese Automakers," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 41(9), pages 1471-1492, September.
    26. Thomas Mellewigt & Anoop Madhok & Antoinette Weibel, 2007. "Trust and formal contracts in interorganizational relationships - substitutes and complements," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(8), pages 833-847.
    27. Sobrero, Maurizio & Roberts, Edward B., 2002. "Strategic management of supplier-manufacturer relations in new product development," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 159-182, January.
    28. Nicholas S. Argyres & Janet Bercovitz & Kyle J. Mayer, 2007. "Complementarity and Evolution of Contractual Provisions: An Empirical Study of IT Services Contracts," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 18(1), pages 3-19, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Henri C. Dekker & Alexandra Van den Abbeele, 2010. "Organizational Learning and Interfirm Control: The Effects of Partner Search and Prior Exchange Experiences," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 21(6), pages 1233-1250, December.
    2. Wang, Yu & Chen, Yongqiang & Wang, Wenqian & Tang, Yinqiu, 2019. "Differentiating two types of learning in contract design: Evidence from the construction industry," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 1-11.
    3. Fang, F., 2019. "When performance shortfall arises, contract or trust? A multi-method study of the impact of contractual and relational governances on performance in public – private partnerships," Other publications TiSEM 473840ee-6945-4a93-9326-5, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    4. Vanesa Solís-Rodríguez & Manuel González-Díaz, 2019. "Prior interactions and contractual completeness in Spanish franchising," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 53(3), pages 795-812, October.
    5. Bart S. Vanneste & Phanish Puranam, 2010. "Repeated Interactions and Contractual Detail: Identifying the Learning Effect," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 21(1), pages 186-201, February.
    6. Guo, Shiau-Ling, 2023. "The governance implication of the geographic concentration of franchise activities for franchise relationships," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    7. Kyle J. Mayer & Zhe (Adele) Xing & Pablo Mondal, 2022. "Contracting for innovation: Designing contracts that account for exchange hazards and the need for innovation," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(11), pages 2253-2278, November.
    8. Kavusan, Korcan & Noorderhaven, Niels G. & Duysters, Geert M., 2016. "Knowledge acquisition and complementary specialization in alliances: The impact of technological overlap and alliance experience," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(10), pages 2153-2165.
    9. Duplat, Valérie & Coeurderoy, Régis & Hagedoorn, John, 2018. "Contractual governance and the choice of dispute-resolution mechanisms: Evidence on technology licensing," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(6), pages 1096-1110.
    10. Jochen Schweitzer, 2016. "How Contracts And Culture Mediate Joint Transactions Of Innovation Partnerships," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 20(01), pages 1-33, January.
    11. George Hendrikse & Patrick Hippmann & Josef Windsperger, 2015. "Trust, transaction costs and contractual incompleteness in franchising," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 44(4), pages 867-888, April.
    12. Lumineau, Fabrice & Malhotra, Deepak, 2011. "Shadow of the contract: how contract structure shapes inter-firm dispute resolution," MPRA Paper 38359, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    13. Linda Argote & Ella Miron-Spektor, 2011. "Organizational Learning: From Experience to Knowledge," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 22(5), pages 1123-1137, October.
    14. Oliver Schilke & Bernd W. Wirtz, 2008. "Allianzfähigkeit — Eine Analyse zur Operationalisierung und Erfolgswirkung im Kontext von F&E-Allianzen," Schmalenbach Journal of Business Research, Springer, vol. 60(5), pages 479-516, August.
    15. repec:wsi:acsxxx:v:21:y:2019:i:08:n:s1363919619500130 is not listed on IDEAS
    16. Laurence Capron & Will Mitchell, 2009. "Selection Capability: How Capability Gaps and Internal Social Frictions Affect Internal and External Strategic Renewal," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 20(2), pages 294-312, April.
    17. Francesco Saverio Massari & Maria Teresa Riggio & Donato Calace, 2015. "Legal and Managerial Implications of the Italian ‘Contratto Di Rete’," Management, University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper, vol. 10(2), pages 131-148.
    18. Patrizia Pastore & Antonio Ricciardi & Silvia Tommaso, 2020. "Contractual networks: an organizational model to reduce the competitive disadvantage of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Europe’s less developed regions. A survey in southern Italy," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 16(4), pages 1503-1535, December.
    19. Kannan Srikanth & Phanish Puranam, 2014. "The Firm as a Coordination System: Evidence from Software Services Offshoring," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 25(4), pages 1253-1271, August.
    20. Ali Shamsollahi & Danielle A. Chmielewski-Raimondo & Simon J. Bell & Reza Kachouie, 2021. "Buyer–supplier relationship dynamics: a systematic review," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 49(2), pages 418-436, March.
    21. Michael D. Ryall & Rachelle C. Sampson, 2009. "Formal Contracts in the Presence of Relational Enforcement Mechanisms: Evidence from Technology Development Projects," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 55(6), pages 906-925, June.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    K12; L14; L62;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K12 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Contract Law
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • L62 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Automobiles; Other Transportation Equipment; Related Parts and Equipment

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:sjobre:v:61:y:2009:i:5:d:10.1007_bf03373663. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.