Renga: a systems approach to facilitating inter‐organizational network development

This article describes a consulting approach aimed specifically at facilitating development of intra‐ and inter‐organizational networks, a business phenomenon of growing importance. This approach is called Renga, after the classical Japanese style of composing linked verse, with which it is shown to have several characteristics in common. The Renga approach has system‐dynamics‐based group model building at its core. The application of this approach is shown in a case study of four organizations striving for collaborative supply‐chain management in the high‐tech electronics industry. Managerial implications regarding strengths and limitations of this approach are discussed.