Öztel, Hülya (2004) Economic development partnerships in France : an empirical investigation of inter-organisational learning processes. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This dissertation focuses on partnership learning in the context of economic
development policy implementation. In the field of business support services, local
partnerships' ability to engage in inter-organisational learning can shape the
effectiveness of their services, their impact on regional development and governance
systems. Where partners are able to change their partnership'S tacit norms and values,
strong synergies could be achieved, sustainable double-loop learning may occur. But
when a partnership is unable to transcend each collaborating partner's agenda,
organisational rivalry, conflict of interest and power struggles can inhibit collaborative
learning. We need to understand the processes that underpin partnership learning and
unveil how partnerships can overcome the crises and conflicts bound to occur during
their existence.
The empirical investigation of the issues outlined above is conducted in the context of
the French government's Reseau de Diffusion Technologique initiative. The study is
conducted using a case study format, following interpretive traditions in social sciences.
Presence Rhone-Alpes (PRA) and Reseau Nord Pas de Calais Technologie (NPC) were
selected as polar cases.
The findings indicate that the broad notion of partnership learning can be analysed in
terms of social learning and process learning. Specifically, process learning (linked
with the implementation of operational goals) is strongly dependent on pre-requisite
tacit knowledge developed through social learning. Indeed the comparative analysis
demonstrated that although both partnerships had similar problems, only PRA was able
to resolve the deep-rooted causes of crises it experienced through the progressive
creation of a governing elite in the region. The presence of such an elite, with clear -
albeit tacit- rules for decision making, facilitated partnership "process learning", which
meant that negotiations over operational objectives, partnership strategy and even
regional policy became opportunities to exert influence and collective power as opposed
to instances where collaborating organisations fought to protect their individual turf.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Strategic alliances (Business) -- France -- Case studies, Strategic planning -- France -- Case studies, High technology industries -- France -- Case studies
Official Date:	July 2004
Dates:	Date Event July 2004 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Warwick Business School
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Geddes, Mike, 1943- ; Martin, Steve
Sponsors:	De Montfort University. Faculty of Business and Law
Extent:	391 leaves
Language:	eng

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