Communities of interest as a lens to explore the advantage of collaborative behaviour for developing economies: An example of the Welsh organic food sector. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davies, Paul; Mason-Jones, Rachel
• Other Names: Newbery Robert guest-editor.; Siwale Juliana guest-editor.; Henley Andrew guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of entrepreneurship and innovation. Volume 18:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: collaboration -- community -- organic food -- shared philosophy -- supply chain; Entrepreneurship -- Periodicals; Business -- Periodicals; Entrepreneurship; Business; Periodicals; 338.0405
• DOI: 10.1177/1465750316686234
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-7503

Abstract

This article introduces the concept of communities of interest (CoIs) as a lens to explore the developing collaborative practice. A shared philosophy between companies offers a means of understanding the behaviour of individuals within a community context. This context is an important element within a developing economy, because this shared experience enables organizations to develop and learn together. The article draws on a study within the Welsh organic food sector to illustrate the way that the CoI concept provides an informative framework to explore interaction. The concept of a shared philosophy providing a distinct community identity is one that can be transposed to a number of sectors and offers a creative lens for developing economies as network connections are seen as integral aspects of how companies are able to grow.