Inter-organizational information sharing: The role of supply network configuration and partner goal congruence

This paper presents a theoretical framework to investigate the relationships between the design of a supply network (SN) and inter-organizational information sharing (IIS). We distinguish between four different types of inter-organizational information sharing. These concepts are developed using a two-dimensional classification scheme consisting of varying levels of the volume of information shared and the strategic importance of this information in an organizational context. Theoretical arguments and analysis of secondary data are used to develop propositions regarding the association between SN configurations and IIS types, and the role of coordination structure in such associations. 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.