In their paper entitled “EXPRESS: Navigating the Business-Society Paradox in Interorganisational Collaboration: Emergence and Mitigation of Vicious Cycles”, researchers Luc van de Sande (PhD), Prof. Kristina Lauche, Prof. Vera Blazevic and Dr. Gerrit Willem Ziggers investigated how organisations can collaborate more effectively across boundaries in tackling complex societal challenges such as urban congestion and pollution. This is often difficult when business needs have to be balanced against societal objectives.
Research into more effective interorganisational collaboration in complex societal challenges
In a multiple case study of four interorganisational partnerships aimed at developing liveable cities, they investigated how actors deal with the paradox between business and society and with vicious cycles that paralyse collaboration. The emergence, persistence and breaking of vicious circles were investigated by combining paradox theory and a practice-oriented perspective.
Two crucial phenomena were identified in the partnerships:
- ‘Slipping points’: gradual shifts that intensify tensions and can lead to failure;
- ‘Tipping points’: critical moments when tensions become apparent and require immediate attention.
Thanks to this research, there are now practical insights into recognising early warning signs of collaboration failure, turning potential failures into opportunities for recalibration, and developing specific practices that help partnerships navigate competing demands. In addition, it directly supports organisations seeking economically viable solutions to urban challenges through collaborative business models. The research findings are therefore highly relevant to stakeholders involved in sustainable cities initiatives, last-mile delivery solutions and other complex partnerships that need to balance commercial viability with positive societal impact.
Literature reference
Contact information
- Organizational unit
- Nijmegen School of Management, Institute for Management Research, Business Administration