Compromising in business networks: a case of creating a big science facility

Purpose In megaprojects, as in many other interorganisational settings, several interests are at stake simultaneously, causing tensions that need to be resolved. In this paper, the authors take a closer look at compromises as one possible path for resolution. This study aims to make a theoretical contribution to the literature on business networks regarding the phenomenon of compromises and their effects in a compromising process. Design/methodology/approach Based on the Industrial Network Approach, the authors investigate a case where a big science facility is created. The case focuses in particular on the compromises that were important for the creation. Findings The authors show that the creation process is characterised by a need from involved actors to continuously balance different goals and expectations through strategies that often include a need to compromise. A compromise is, hence, best understood as a process phenomenon where there is a pre-compromising stage, a compromising stage and a post-compromising stage where the performative process of creating the facility continues with the compromise as a mutual commitment that directs and restricts the continued performance of the involved actors. Originality/value The paper contributes to the Industrial Network Approach by pinpointing the concept of compromise, as well as by demonstrating and discussing some of the benefits of studying tensions as a source of business network dynamics. In addition, the authors contribute to different interorganisational theories that use the concept of compromise by focusing on compromise as process.