The assessment of the features of inter-organisational relationships : benefits, duration, repeatability and maturity of the relationship with the company's stakeholders

Abstract

Purpose: A company's relational potential expresses the sum of all relations with the entities in the environment and their combinations used to achieve the company's objectives. This cooperation can be assessed in terms of the relationship's duration, repeatability, degree of maturity, and benefits. The aim of this article is to assess the importance of these features for building and maintaining inter-organizational relations in various forms. Design/Methodology/Approach: This article presents findings from the research conducted using a sample of 66 relations developed by 10 companies operating in different sectors. The correlations between individual pairs of variables were analyzed using chi-square statistics at α = 0.05. The strength of relations was determined using Cramer's V coefficient and Pearson's C (contingency) coefficient. Findings: The research results indicate a significant correlation between the examined relationship characteristics (benefits, duration, maturity, and repeatability). We have shown that the more diverse the company's relational potential is, and the more benefits individual relations provide, the more often the company repeats the relations (co-operates) with external entities. Simultaneously, the most advantageous relations are those maintained for up to one year or over 7 years. Enterprises are most often willing to repeat the relations that have reached the stage of maturity. Practical Implications: The results of this research can help modern companies to plan the duration and repeatability of relationships with selected entities considering the expected benefits and the degree of maturity of the cooperation. Originality/Value: Understanding the correlation between the repeatability of the relationship and its benefits, as well as between the duration of the relationship and its maturity, and linking it to the types (forms) of cooperation with other entities contributes to the current state of knowledge.