Title: Knowledge, power and trust in SME e-based virtual organisations

Authors: Kevin Johnston, Jiwei Shi, Zoe Dann, Ian Barclay

Addresses: Technology Management Group, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St., Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK. ' Technology Management Group, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St., Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK. ' Technology Management Group, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St., Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK. ' Technology Management Group, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom St., Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK

Abstract: This article uses e-business-based SME clusters as a model to explore the issues of collaboration in virtual organisations. It discusses the key issues of e-business for SMEs and how they approach working in partnerships and networks. The role of core competence knowledge equivalency across the partnership is assessed and examined. The influences of knowledge, power and trust on virtual organisations are examined both theoretically and via a major case study with 25 SMEs. Lessons for promoting SME virtual organisations are drawn together with specific recommendations for successful e-business-based partnerships.

Keywords: e-business; SMEs; virtual organisations; partnerships; networks; core competencies; knowledge; power; trust; case study; electronic business; SME clusters; collaboration; small and medium-sized enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNVO.2006.008784

International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, 2006 Vol.3 No.1, pp.42 - 59

Published online: 24 Jan 2006 *

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