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The Presentation of Self as Good and Right: How Value Propositions and Business Model Features are Linked in the Sharing Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Dominika Wruk

    (University of Mannheim)

  • Achim Oberg

    (University of Mannheim)

  • Jennifer Klutt

    (Georg-August-University Göttingen)

  • Indre Maurer

    (Georg-August-University Göttingen)

Abstract

The sharing economy as an emerging field is characterized by unsettled debates about its shared purpose and defining characteristics of the organizations within this field. This study draws on neo-institutional theory to explore how sharing organizations position themselves vis-à-vis such debates with regard to (1) the values these organizations publicly promote to present themselves as “good” sharing organizations and (2) the business model features they make visible to appear as having the “right” organizational model. This study examines the online self-representations of 62 prototypical sharing organizations in Germany with regard to value propositions and business model features. A semantic network analysis of the features reveals two distinct categories of sharing organizations: grassroots initiatives and platform-based organizations. By showing how value propositions and business model features are linked in the sharing economy, the findings indicate the different legitimation strategies of grassroots initiatives and platform-based organizations, which we term “sustainability by model” and “sustainability by feature.” These findings broaden our understanding of the strategies that organizations apply to cope with societal expectations in the emerging sharing economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Dominika Wruk & Achim Oberg & Jennifer Klutt & Indre Maurer, 2019. "The Presentation of Self as Good and Right: How Value Propositions and Business Model Features are Linked in the Sharing Economy," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 159(4), pages 997-1021, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:159:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04209-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04209-5
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    3. Fuping Bai & Donghui Liu & Kaiyun Dong & Mengting Shang & Aiguo Yan, 2023. "Research on How Executive Connections Affect Enterprise Digital Transformation: Empirical Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-17, January.
    4. Pies, Ingo & Hielscher, Stefan & Everding, Sebastian, 2020. "Do hybrids impede sustainability? How semantic reorientations and governance reforms can produce and preserve sustainability in sharing business models," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 174-185.
    5. Fortezza, Fulvio & Figueiredo, Bernardo & Scaraboto, Daiane & Del Chiappa, Giacomo, 2022. "Managing multiple logics to facilitate consumer transformation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 377-390.
    6. Mazanai Musara & Cecile Nieuwenhuizen, 2021. "A value proposition mix framework of successful foreign-owned small and medium enterprises in South Africa," Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 9(1), pages 612-632, September.
    7. Wen Chen, 2023. "Digital economy development, corporate social responsibility and low‐carbon innovation," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(4), pages 1664-1679, July.
    8. Xiao-xiao Liu & Feng Xiong & Xingqiang Du, 2023. "Innovator or Troublemaker? The Co-evolution of Ethical Controversies, Legitimation and Institutionalisation of the Ridesharing Firms in China," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 186(4), pages 723-737, September.
    9. Zhou, Zhongsheng & Li, Zhuo, 2023. "Corporate digital transformation and trade credit financing," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    10. Maiara N Cardoso & Rogerio T O Lacerda & Michel Becker, 2022. "Collaborative Consumption and Institutional Theory: Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific Production from 2011 to 2021," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 15(12), pages 1-86, December.
    11. Zhang, Yaomin & Pinkse, Jonatan & McMeekin, Andrew, 2020. "The governance practices of sharing platforms: Unpacking the interplay between social bonds and economic transactions," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).

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