Paper info

Power relationships and network evolution in a state-dominant business environment

Ar Kar, Bella Butler and Htwe Htwe Thein

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

This study aims to examine the dynamics of business network evolution and power relationships in public-private partnerships that take place in a state-dominant business (SDB) environment. The study uses a qualitative inquiry to interpret a case study of a port industry development in Myanmar. A two-dimensional conceptual framework is used to investigate the selected case at all three analytical levels and across the country’s transitional timeline. It examines the case through business network management and co-evolutionary perspectives. The paper categorised two key external drivers (institutional changes/influences and macro-environmental changes) that influence the entire business network evolution and competitiveness of its actors. The importance of having interpersonal relationships especially ex-military ties with state-actors is highlighted. Power sources and power creation mechanisms of both public and private actors are identified. The study argues that, as a centralised network, asymmetric interactions are almost prominent albeit firms can influence institutions regarding the favour of institutional logics and state actors’ commitments.