Title: Sharing offline and for idealistic purposes in Germany

Authors: Anja Herrmann-Fankhaenel; Erne Schell

Addresses: Innovation Research and Technology Management, Chemnitz University of Technology, Thueringer Weg 7, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany ' Organisation and International Management, Chemnitz University of Technology, Thueringer Weg 7, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany

Abstract: The aim of this research is to investigate the German sharing economy in its offline and online dimensions and the nature of its commercial and idealistic intentions. Using quantitative research, 505 cases were empirically gathered and analysed against the theoretical background of inherent features. In particular, the study investigates technology involvement within the sharing economy and how it varies between the online, offline, and hybrid interactions of users and the indicators of idealistic intentions, such as financial interactions and profit orientation. With the aid of 11 theory-driven variables, data is descriptively illustrated and subsequently evaluated within the scope of a two-step cluster analysis. The German sharing economy demonstrates a seven-cluster solution, with a majority of offline-organised cases. Evidently, idealistic sharing models exist, especially within the offline dimension, yet online and hybrid models also reveal idealistic characteristics, which stand contrary to theoretical assumptions.

Keywords: sharing economy; offline sharing economy; hybrid sharing; idealistic and commercial sharing; Germany.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2022.121515

International Journal of Technology Management, 2022 Vol.88 No.2/3/4, pp.270 - 293

Received: 31 Jul 2020
Accepted: 23 Jul 2021
Published online: 16 Mar 2022 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article