Från beroende till risk : En studie av maktasymmetri och relationella mekanismer i små företag

Sammanfattning

This study investigates how power asymmetries emerge and are managed in relationships between small enterprises and their customers and suppliers. Based on Resource Dependence Theory, the study focuses on how resource dependencies, relational mechanisms and organizational risk interact to shape inter-organizational dynamics. A qualitative research design was employed based on semi-structured interviews with actors within small enterprises. The empirical material was analyzed using a thematic analysis, identifying recurring patterns related to resource dependence, power asymmetry, relational mechanisms and organizational risk. The findings show that power asymmetry rises from high customer concentration and deep operational integration. These increase the dependence on specific clients and are further reinforced by asset specific investments and extensive process adaption. At the same time small and medium sized enterprises actively manage these asymmetries through specialist competence, speed, geographical proximity and trust based informational relationships. The conclusion is that power asymmetries are dynamic and context dependent rather than static structures. While relational mechanisms may reduce short-term uncertainty and enable operational efficiency. They simultaneously increase long term vulnerability through lock-in effects, reduced strategic flexibility and weakened legal protection.