Balanced centricity: a joint institutional logic within open collaborative ecosystems

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine the change of institutional logics in actors’ practices within crowdfunding platforms, seen as open collaborative ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach The research follows an abductive approach, wherein data collection and analysis, and the search for complementary theories, constitute parallel iterative processes. A main case study was carried out, complemented by an expert panel. Findings Balanced centricity (BC) as the main institutional logic in crowdfunding platforms delineates actors’ practices (aims, resources and behaviors) into four issues: the development of an open and collaborative community; the overcoming of resource limitations; the changing roles of actors; and the co-creation of mutual (societal) value. Research limitations/implications This study context limits the results. The COVID-19 crisis put all actors in the medical field into an extreme situation in which they had to maximize their potential to achieve a common aim. Once the crisis has passed, further research should address whether BC is maintained as actors’ institutional logic. Originality/value This paper offers a unique perspective on BC as an institutional logic that impacts actors in collaborative open ecosystems.

The reward crowdfunding campaign management process: an engagement perspective

“…Since engagement, by definition, does not operate in isolation but rather in a context that implies interaction with other stakeholders, the gaining of experience and co-creative properties (Brodie et al, 2011), so does fundraiser engagement. As indicated earlier, fundraisers interact with platforms, backers and other stakeholders in experiential actions that have implication for value creation at the crowdfunding campaign, product development, venture growth and broader social level (Quero and Mele, 2023;Mastrangelo et al, 2020;Eiteneyer et al, 2019;Smith, 2015).…”

“…, 2011), so does fundraiser engagement. As indicated earlier, fundraisers interact with platforms, backers and other stakeholders in experiential actions that have implication for value creation at the crowdfunding campaign, product development, venture growth and broader social level (Quero and Mele, 2023; Mastrangelo et al. , 2020; Eiteneyer et al.…”

Service system resilience under resource scarcity: from vulnerability to balanced centricity

“…Importantly Verleye et al (2017) argue that the imbalances can be solved if accountability, communication, engagement and responsiveness between the actor and network level within the service network are fostered, and thus, the goal of balanced centricity is advanced. Furthermore, Quero and Mele (2023) found that adopting balanced centricity as an institutional logic can assist actors in developing a collaborative community, overcoming resource limitations and advancing the cocreation of mutual value. Thus, balanced centricity is a logic that advocates for creation of well-being for all actors, which fosters service system well-being (Leo et al , 2019).…”

“…This paper argues that balanced centricity is difficult to achieve due to vulnerabilities experienced on multiple levels and among different actors within the service system (Quero and Mele, 2023). The novelty in this is the multilevel and multiactor perspective on experienced vulnerability in service relationships and thus in building sustainable service systems (Groven et al , 2021; Gummesson, 2008).…”