The information dimension of inter-organizational integration

An important question in business partnership is the issue of information - the gathering, supply and use of information and what kind of information in order to promote a successful partnership. This paper examines the problems that arise in a major form of partnership, namely integration, and the use of information to cope with the problems. We examine the types of information needed in inter-organizational integration, based on unstructured interviews. The problems identified by the interviewees are those related to values, intentions, power, competencies, partners’ relations with other parties, finance and nurturing the relationship. The information needed to cope with such problems are described using the 7-S model of McKinsey. The answers provided by the interviewees suggest that they deal with hard and soft information, concern different organizational levels and deferent time spans. Soft information is particularly crucial because it is this type of information that builds a strong relationship and a good atmosphere for co-operation.