Vertical inter–unit relationship quality: the concept and its concomitants

Ramadan, Nora (2014). Vertical inter–unit relationship quality: the concept and its concomitants. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Managing vertical relationships within diversified organizations is crucial to the attainment of overall organizational goals, yet it can also present a significant challenge. Vertical relationships can be characterised by intensified political games and incompatible interests. It is thus a contested relationship of conflicting interests; yet both parties to the relationship are motivated to maintain the relationship because they assume that its long–term benefits outweigh the costs.
Whilst most of the literature focuses on managerial issues that are likely to emerge in vertical relationships, it does not appear to focus on the needs of vertically–related units and the development of such needs, particularly as the lower level unit develops. Therefore, the consequences that are likely to occur if these needs are not met have not been explored. One way to address this gap is by focusing on vertical inter–unit relationship quality; positioning relationship quality as a social resource in a power–dependence relationship (the vertical dyad). This thesis therefore aims to explore the meaning and the concomitants of relationship quality between vertically–related units in the context of diversified organisations. This is expected to contribute to the understanding of vertical inter–unit relationships by shedding light on the underlying meaning of relationship quality and the attributes that are likely to be attached to it from the perspectives of the parties to the relationship. In turn, this enables an exploration of the factors impacting on that quality as well as its consequences.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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