Contextualization of Collaborative Value Creation in Cross-Sector Partnership

the Lithuanian Case

Abstract

Purpose and Originality: The purpose of this research was to identify main contextual (macro and meso) factors influencing cross-sector partnerships creating the collaborative value and to give some empirical evidences from Lithuania as young developed country. The originality of this research is achieved by revealing cross-sector partnership contextual elements and their impact on cross-sector partnership management and collaborative value creation.

Method: The purpose of the research was achieved using the interpretivist approach to analyse and explain contextual elements of cross-sector partnership. The data was collected by applying the exploratory qualitative research. The main method was the semi-structural interviews with representatives from business organizations and NGOs, and brokers/intermediaries of NGO and business partnerships). The method of qualitative content analysis was used for the analysis of research data.

Results: Results of this research argues that collaborative value creation in cross-sector partnership is affected by partnership context, which is described by macro and meso stimulating and restraining factors. Analysing the case of Lithuania, it was found, that stimulating macro level factors are connected to the growth of society awareness, a favourable attitude towards international investors, while meso level factors were formed by the transformation of business organization behaviour, the increasing competition and the increasing role of social responsibility in the business. Restraining macro level factors were linked to NGO regulation problems, limited financial resources, the lack of civil society maturity and government institution support, while meso level factors were described as the lack of institutional memory and no appropriate strategic approach towards partnerships.

Society: The research results suppose presumptions of the change in the knowledge of the management of cross-sector partnership, by giving new and fresh understanding about the influence of macro and meso level factors on the collaborative value creation in cross-sector partnership.

Limitations / further research: The content of collaborative value creation allows to state that the multidimensional nature of collaborative value creation concept creates many challenges to the researchers in their attempts to develop a holistic portrait of the complex phenomenon and to identify the major value attributes and dimensions. Therefore, future researches could focus on the determination of the impact of the contextual factors on cross-sector partnership development. A comparative analysis of the countries with the same economic and social development level is recommended.