ABSTRACT
From an economical and organizational point of view, business networks represent the result of both vertical disintegration processes inside firm's boundaries and external convergence processes between economic agents. Stable and prolonged relationships constitute the ground for the integration of business performances. Stable long-term relationships and integration of production cycles between companies – among others special notes – result in the most defining and unique feature of business networks: interdependence between the members' benefits. Long-term and continuous relationships, the interdependence of benefits, each participant's autonomy, the coexistence of contradictory interests, shared assets and the intuitu character of the participant's relationships place networks in an eclectic position between contract and organization governance mechanisms. The chapter represents, pointing out vital aspects and focusing on, in author opinion, the decisive factor in understanding business networks governance requirements: the identification of rights and duties which bind the parties in their actions as network members.
