4519382_monash_120520.pdf (17.97 MB)
Network governance evolution and dependency balancing in Australia - Republic of Korea and Australia - Japan agribusiness trade
thesis
posted on 2017-01-05, 03:56 authored by Stone, Sharman NancyThis thesis investigates the area of agribusiness industry structure, in particular the form
and function of Agribusiness Statutory Marketing Authorities (ASMAs) and their influence
on relationships and governance in dynamic export networks.
The networks examined were involved with the Australia-Japan and Australia-Republic of
Korea export trade in wheat and dairy products. Network governance and strategic activity
were tracked and the changes analysed from the time of the first cross-border exchanges
until 1994. The units of analysis were strategic episodes involving ASMAs and seven of
their industries' suppliers.
The research proceeds on the premise that the heterogeneous distribution of actors'
interests and power asymmetries in agribusiness industrial networks creates imbalances
and pressures for change.
The research problem is determine how up-stream suppliers in long-established
asymmetrical relationships can countervail dependencies, given the potential for the more
powerful buyer to retaliate should the less powerful partner seek to shorten the supply
channel or expand the network with additional buyers.
A particular contribution of this research is the identification of the significance of network
culture (ie norms and conventions) in facilitating or constraining evolution in the network
governance.
An accurate knowledge of corporate histories, cross-ownership linkages and traditional
interdependencies was also critical for the selection of appropriate exchange partners.
Enculturation and network knowledge is a basis for influence and an important strategic
element. Both of these areas of understanding are time and repeated-experience dependent.
In 1994, most key personnel in the networks had more than ten years continuous
employment with their firm. But the convention of working for the one employer for many
years is rapidly changing in the Republic of Korea, Japan and Australia. This paradigm
shift may challenge the way norms and conventions have been used to entrench the status
quo, and the way relational exchanges have been traditionally established and maintained.
Finally, a model identifying the evolution of network governance was developed. The
constructs and their interrelationships show strategy stimulated by the macro environment
which is in turn a dynamic admixture of interdependent demand-competition, productiondistribution
and institutional factors. These are moderated by the micro context, ie the
internal characteristics of the firms the experience and skills of the key personnel and their
network position.
The model of network governance developed also offers a workable framework for
collecting data and undertaking analysis of dynamic business relationships using case
studies.
Using case study method, this research was able to gain insights into complex, dynamic
interrelationships, over time and in real life contexts.
History
Campus location
AustraliaPrincipal supervisor
Peter FitzroyYear of Award
1999Department, School or Centre
MarketingCourse
Doctor of PhilosophyDegree Type
DOCTORATEFaculty
Faculty of Business and EconomicsUsage metrics
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