Resource dependence theory

About: Resource dependence theory is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2732 publications have been published within this topic receiving 184871 citations.

A New Theoretical Model for Cooperation in Public Health Settings: The RDIC Model

Abstract: The Resource Dependence Institutional Cooperation (RDIC) model was constructed from four combined theories: network, organizational behavior, resource dependence, and new institutional. The authors developed the model in an effort to better understand cooperation in public health settings, and tested its validity in two different types of networks related to occupational health. Two qualitative studies were performed in the Netherlands. The first study included 11 respondents dealing with the sickness absence of 4 employees. The second study included 11 respondents from 5 organizations involved in developing sickness absence policy. Document analyses and semistructured interviews were performed. The results indicate that the RDIC model coincided with empirical patterns of cooperation in both types of networks. Though they recommend further empirical research, the authors conclude that the model appears to be a valid instrument for understanding cooperation. They assert that the RDIC model can facilitate the management of cooperation in various public health settings.

Resource Constraints or Cultural Conformity? Nonprofit Relationships with Businesses

Abstract: Nonprofit interactions with businesses have become increasingly diverse, but which nonprofits establish relationships, and to what extent do relationships depend on the form or type of tie? Focusing on nonprofit collaboration with businesses and donations from businesses, we test arguments based on sociological institutionalism and resource dependence theory. We find that nonprofits relying on earned income, nonprofits led by individuals with management degrees, and rationalized nonprofits all are more likely to report collaborations with businesses, aligning with expectations from institutional theory. For donative ties between businesses and nonprofits, we find that rationalized nonprofits are more likely to have charitable gifts from businesses. However, nonprofits with earned income are less likely to have business donations, and funding diversity has a salient positive effect. These results reveal important but paradoxical institutional and resource dependence effects. We conclude with a discussion of our divergent findings and set an agenda for additional research on the topic.

Resource Dependence Dynamics: Partner Reactions to Mergers

Abstract: Research on resource dependence typically takes a static view in which actions and outcomes are determined structurally, but not as responses to the actions of the counterparty in an exchange relation. By contrast, this study addresses a question of power dynamics by examining whether mergers of organizations trigger responses from their common exchange partners. We predict that common exchange partners respond by withdrawing from the relationship and that their responses vary with the availability of alternatives, the value of the relationship, and the relationship history. Using data on advertising agencies, we show that mergers of agencies do trigger reactions from their common clients, and the reactions differ with agency and client characteristics. Extending existing theory and evidence, our results suggest that firms respond to the dynamics of exchange relationships and not only to their structure.