Factors influencing information sharing in four SME networks in Portugal: A coordination perspective

Abstract

Sharing a minimum amount of information is a basic condition for working in cooperation. The aim of this study was to identify aspects that influence information sharing within inter-organizational networks through an exploratory and qualitative approach. The coordination's representatives of four networks were interviewed: the Majority-Partner of a Purchase Network (RAVT), the Technical Consultant of an Innovation Network (COTEC), the General Secretary of a cluster representation network (CEFAMOL) and the President of a Network of Associations (UACS). Aspects related to the information sharing were identified, such as information quality, top management commitment, trust, network coordination's role, reciprocity and age. Further researches can deepen these results by comparing them with network companies' view