Abstract:
In this paper, we present and discuss the notion of interorganizational synthesis, Interorganizational
synthesis refers to synthesis in the relationships between all organizations
involved in a collaborative project. Synthesis is critical if organizations are fully to leverage
the benefits of interorganizational collaboration in complex environments. Reviewing
other research in management, in areas such as culture, rationality, and language,
we show that collaboration is a far more complex task than economic or contractual theories
suggest. We then present ten critical building blocks that must be accounted for in
the design of interorganizational relations if synthesis is to be realised, Each of these
blocks is discussed and the potential risks, and management implications, are also presented.
