Modularity and Relational Mechanisms of Governance: An Analysis of Modular Consortium and Industrial Condominium

Authors

  • Mario Sacomano Neto Federal University of São Carlos
  • Sílvio Roberto Ignácio Pires Methodist University of Piracicaba
  • Eliciane Maria da Silva Methodist University of Piracicaba

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n1p74-90

Keywords:

inter-firm governance, relational mechanisms, Brazilian automotive industry, modular consortium, industrial

Abstract

This article analyzed the main mechanisms in inter-firm governance present in a modular

consortium as well as in an automotive industry industrial condominium, operating in Brazil.. The data

collection was carried out through interviews (in loco) in both automakers and suppliers. Modular

consortium and industrial condominium not only involve collaborative agreements in manufacturing

with suppliers but also embrace managerial aspects such as: trust, long-term contracts, reciprocity,

reputation, channels of interdependence and formal and informal mechanisms of control. These

contemporary forms of governance have generated new ways of organizing production and coordination

in operations, based on cooperation, integration and inter-firm process control. For such, governance

based on company inter-relationship usually operates seeking cooperative agreements so that it would

permit quick access to information and technological innovations. These governance approaches

contain structures to support exchange, resource interdependence, mutual lines of communication,

economies of scale for research and joint production.

DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n1p74-90

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n1p74-90

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Published

2013-06-25

Issue

Section

09.Intersections. Beyond the Operations Function