Governance in inter-organizational project networks

Abstract

This study is focused on governance in inter-organizational project networks. It also promotes a new framework on governance structure in such projects. Inter-organizational projects can be characterized by set of independent actors carrying out temporary and goal-driven activity that is created for specific purpose, these actors can also be embedded in longer-term relationship where they are involved in multiple projects. Inter-organizational projects are often complex in nature and tend to have it's own kind of governance structure that differs from hierarchies often found in in-house projects. However, little is known how the governance structure is in these projects. By conducting a qualitative single-case study of large inter-organizational EU funded research project and comparing with existing literature, it was possible to promote a new framework for governance structure in inter-organizational projects. The findings suggest that inter-organizational projects are highly based on contractual agreement, but that agreement has to be able to be influenced by a joint body of all participants. The governance structure is coordinated by central organization of the network that builds consensus trough compromise and negotiations. Joint body of selected actors then form a management group that is responsible of decision-making based on the contractual agreement. These findings suits both single temporary inter-organizational project and project networks that sustain beyond singular project. However, the purpose of the study was to gain insight from a specific case that could be compared to previous literature. This study is therefor not intended for drawing highly generalizable conclusions on governance structure in inter-organizational project networks.