Paper info

Resource interaction and resource integration: similarities, differences, reflections

Roberta Bocconcelli , Per Carlborg, Debbie Harrison , Nina Hasche, Klas Hedvall and Lei Huang

The paper was published at the 35th IMP-conference in Paris, France in 2019.

Two approaches in marketing theory focus on resources; IMP and SDL. The purpose of this paper is to provide a state-of-the-art comparison of how resources are conceptualised in the ‘resource interaction’ (IMP) and ‘resource integration’ (SDL) approaches. We trace how the resource interaction and resource integration has evolved over time by building a timeline to chart key developments, e.g. changing categories, re-definitions of the features of resources, and different levels of analysis (dyad, network, ecosystem). Our preliminary analysis of both similarities and differences shows how researchers have placed increasing attention on resources and their role within both the IMP and SDL conceptual frameworks. The focus of SDL has shifted from operant resources towards resource integration, and from a dyadic and relatively static view towards ecosystem thinking and processes. It has mainly developed via a conceptual and theoretical debate. Within IMP, resource interaction has been developed and expanded through successive empirical works. Studies have typically taken a network perspective in deepening understandings of how resource interaction occurs, the features of resource interfaces, and how interfaces are impacted by the business settings involved, in a wide variety of empirical contexts. We conclude the comparison with some reflections and suggestions for further research.