Collaboration to improve local business services: The "Norrtälje Project" in Sweden
International Journal of Bank Marketing, 26 (1):
p57 - 72 (2008)Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to test the effectiveness of collaborative dialogue to support small business development in small communities. Design/methodology/approach - The paper employs a case study involving collaboration using both an interpersonal network structure and an inter-organizational project structure. Findings - the paper finds that collaboration mobilizes local resources to fill structural and relational gaps in the local institutional environment for SMEs. Research limitations/implications - The research agenda for collaborative planning should include studying institutional factors that can hinder some actors such as small businesses from participating. Originality/value - The paper provides practical experience of banks as community development actors, and identifies a potential conflict in normative collaboration theory between inclusiveness/diversity and a "higher level" institutional focus.
Description
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to test the effectiveness of collaborative dialogue to support small business development in small communities.