STRATEGIC NETWORKS AMONG SMALL FIRMS - IMPLICATIONS FOR STRATEGY RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This paper deals with the choice of methodological approach within strategic network research. Network-oriented research approaches indicate a broader set of organizational and environmental variables. The issue of trust in network relations implicates contextual aspects such as the socio-cultural foundation of people's interaction. The striving toward more complex, multi-level models of strategy is seen to put a heavy burden on the development of adequate strategy research methods. The paper reports and interprets experience from a case study of inter-organizational exchange governance in small firms. The discussion suggests a need for more in-depth knowledge of cultural contexts, and of socioeconomic relations of actors within strategic networks. The paper recommends a search for new methodological inputs from other academic disciplines more experienced with human interaction research. In particular, methodological tools found within the field of social anthropology are recommended.