Strategic Management of Food Networks: Towards Understanding of Network Goals

Current interorganizational literature almost exclusively analyzes the network effects on single firms participating in networks. This study expands this view theoretically by focusing on food supply chain networks. Specifically, we argue that both, network-level and firm-level goals have to be achieved to structure long-term and successful network relationships. By implementing simultaneously partnering and supply chain management strategies, the network’s management will ensure goal consensus among the network actors and goal compatibility between the network levels. Thereby, preconditions for the achievement of network-level and firm-level goals will be installed.