Even considering a small-firm network as a new organizational form, few studies analyze how network management practices may influence the performance of member firms. To help overcome this gap, we conducted a survey with 242 firms associated with 49 small-firm networks in Brazil. The results show that collective planning, evaluation, communication, innovation, services offered by the network, leadership, and also the entrepreneurs’ orientation to business development have a positive influence on firms’ performance. The study contributes to the organizational literature and practice as it identifies a set of management practices that influence the performance of firms in small-firm networks.

Purpose This study aims to present a theoretical analysis on the capabilities (at the organizational) and skills (at the individual level) of the hub organization (orchestrator) in an innovation network. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted literature reviews on the orchestration of innovation networks; and networking capabilities. Findings This study presents a theoretical model and a research agenda. Originality/value In interorganizational relations, a central actor can stand out the role of intentionally creating, extracting and distributing value in the network, generating gains for all members. Literature recognizes this set of intentional and deliberate actions as the “orchestration” of resources in the network. Despite the increasing interest regarding the theme, the phases and specific capabilities for orchestration still lack further investigation.

The theoretical approach underlying institutional work sustains the understanding of the process through which individuals create, maintain and disrupt institutions. The interest in this approach encouraged the publication of a special issue in the journal Organization Studies in 2013. Lawrence, Leca, and Zilber introduced that special issue with an analysis of this field of study pointing to three avenues to further develop the theoretical approach: a) implementation of methodologies with an emphasis on the individual’s experiences; b) development of reflexivity by individuals; and c) commitment to practical contributions. We recall their research to revise the contributions of institutional work and to evaluate how these three avenues have been followed in this field of study. We then suggest an updated research agenda based on phenomena observed in the Brazilian context. Among the contributions of this study, we highlight a) the characteristics of the field of study on institutional work (state-of-the-art); b) central and adjacent themes to institutional work (map of themes); and c) opportunities and trends to further develop research on institutional work.

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ABSTRACT:Global competition emerges with a greater need for faster innovations. R&D plays an essential role in the elaboration of new products and processes in an even shorter period. As the access to resources and knowledge inside the own country borders are restricted, firms start to go abroad looking for other options of R&D. This way, international R&D partnerships arise as an important theme for theory and practice. Through a systematic literature review of 31 papers published in management journals from 2002 to 2014, this study brings two streams of the literature. First, a description of the main concepts in international R&D partnerships. Second, the best practices for the theme proposed and the gaps in the area's knowledge. This paper contributes to both practitioners and literature by providing a research agenda with seven themes for future research, regarding in-depth studies, secondary data analysis, measure proposal and managerial implications.