Resource Sharing in Business-to-Business Contexts: Towards an understanding of the process and its management
(A2023-114301)

AUTHORS

Karina von dem Berge, Lucerne School of Business / Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts; Uta Juettner, Lucerne School of Business / Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts; Javier Marcos Cuevas, Cranfield University

ABSTRACT

In today’s political and economic environment, companies face the challenge of resource scarcity, rising cost due to inflation and the need to reduce CO2 emissions. This should give rise to concepts such as resource sharing with its promise of economic efficiency and ecological effectiveness. Still, sharing is not yet widespread in the business-to-business (B2B) context. The literature reveals a lack of empirical research and practical solutions. Addressing both gaps, this study applies a multiple case study within an action research strategy. Five sharing transactions between six SMEs reveal the characteristics of the B2B sharing process as a basis for developing supportive tools for its management. The study contributes to theory by conceptualising the B2B resource sharing process as a flow of activities across three levels: organisation internal, in the dyadic sharing transaction and within the wider community of sharing willing companies. Also, it contributes to practice through four tools supporting companies with the tasks at all 3 levels: 1) Resource identification, 2) Partner matching matrix, 3) Transaction governance and 4) Sharing assessment.