Year: 2004
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: Nowadays, most retail chains are organized in a network structure, which operates under the principals of mutual communication and cooperation for lower overhead cost, increased responsiveness and flexibility, and greater operational efficiency (Lozenzoni and Baden 1995). In addition, thanks to interfaces between many units, the network is a powerful tool to foster innovation. However, networks can also block innovation because of the divergence of interests among units (Hagedoorn 1995). A franchised network is an illustration of this, due to the fact that franchisees, as independent small business owner, have the right not to adopt all the modifications proposed by the franchiser. A solution is to use the plural form, associating franchise and company arrangements. In reality, the plural form is increasingly used in retailing; it has advantages over the pure franchised and wholly owned chains in terms of innovation. This paper deals with innovation management within the plural form network. Firstly, difficulties in managing innovation faced by network operators are pointed out. Secondly, why the plural form could facilitate innovation is explained. Finally, the innovation process models are established, which highlight how innovations are made and managed in the plural form network. Data for analysis are obtained by interviews with network operators in France. On the whole, this work tends to show the superiority of the plural form and has a practical purpose to help the plural form network to optimize the management of innovation projects. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
Authors: Gérard Cliquet, Minh-Ngoc Nguyen
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1566892346