A systematic literature review on the network perspective and resource interaction: where are we now and where should we go?

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to advance the current state-of-the-art and identify the main theories, methodologies and research gaps. In this article, we examine the network perspective on resource interaction in management, systematically reviewing 92 published articles in peer-reviewed journals from 2013 to 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic literature review is a methodical, transparent and replicable approach to choosing and evaluating scientific works. We have analyzed and combined all the available evidence, giving a comprehensive overview of the current state of the literature.

Findings

The subject is still under development in the literature, so there are still some research gaps, such as lack of information about markets and competitiveness. The main thematic groups we found included the firm’s social media, business performance, innovation in organizations, social media and big data, network analysis and artificial intelligence.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to note that the subject is still under development in the literature, so there are still some research gaps, such as some lack of information about markets and competitiveness, the online presence of luxury brands and the impact of technology on their performance, which is not approached in the literature; some companies find it challenging to adopt new technologies; what level of technology and academic specialization is needed to measure performance; how to measure the level of credibility of information shared on the internet and the psychological impact of artificial intelligence on future generations and communication.

Practical implications

Managers can use this study to improve network strategies for better communication with diverse stakeholders and adopting new technologies, especially to enhance skills among older generations. Networks play a crucial role in fostering social capital among firms, facilitating knowledge management and improving the quality of processes. The resilience of business networks serves as a mediator between responsible innovation and a company's performance. Managers may consider expanding the use of networks to other areas of management to promote organizational collaboration and professional networking. Employees can also act as brand ambassadors for their organizations, helping to establish informal networks and increase visibility.

Originality/value

An integrative framework and a future research agenda are presented, with the potential to advance our understanding in this field.