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The Structure of Decision Rights in Franchising Networks: A Property Rights Perspective

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  • Nada Mumdžiev
  • Josef Windsperger

Abstract

This paper explains the structure of decision rights in franchising networks using property rights theory. Property rights theory explains the allocation of decision rights based on the importance of intangible assets. We submit that franchisees’ fraction of decision rights varies positively with the contractibility of local market assets and negatively with contractibility of system–specific assets. Further, franchisees’ less contractible innovation assets impact decision rights allocations more than contractible operation assets. Hypotheses tested on data from German franchisors are largely supportive. We extend the franchise literature by arguing that the contractibility of local market assets impacts the allocation of decision rights, and that decision rights allocations change for decisions involving different areas of the value chain.

Suggested Citation

  • Nada Mumdžiev & Josef Windsperger, 2011. "The Structure of Decision Rights in Franchising Networks: A Property Rights Perspective," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 35(3), pages 449-465, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:35:y:2011:i:3:p:449-465
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6520.2011.00440.x
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    4. Richard S. Brown, 2017. "Franchisor market power and control rights in franchise systems: the case of Major League Baseball versus the Los Angeles Dodgers," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 11(1), pages 1-21, March.
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    8. Maryse J. Brand & Evelien P. M. Croonen & Roger T. A. J. Leenders, 2018. "Entrepreneurial networking: a blessing or a curse? Differential effects for low, medium and high performing franchisees," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 50(4), pages 783-805, April.
    9. James G. Combs & David J. Ketchen Jr & Jeremy C. Short, 2011. "Franchising Research: Major Milestones, New Directions, and its Future within Entrepreneurship," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 35(3), pages 413-425, May.
    10. Navarro Sanfelix, Guillermo & Puig, Francisco, 2017. "New challenges in franchisor-franchisee relationship. An analysis from agency theory perspective," Cuadernos de Gestión, Universidad del País Vasco - Instituto de Economía Aplicada a la Empresa (IEAE).
    11. Jason Miller & Keith Skowronski & John Saldanha, 2022. "Asset ownership & incentives to undertake non‐contractible actions: The case of trucking," Journal of Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management, vol. 58(1), pages 65-91, January.
    12. López-Fernández, Begoña & Perrigot, Rozenn, 2018. "Using Websites to Recruit Franchisee Candidates," Journal of Interactive Marketing, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 80-94.
    13. Begoña López-Fernández & Susana López-Bayón, 2018. "Antecedents of early terminations in franchising: franchisor versus franchisee cancelations," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 50(4), pages 677-695, April.
    14. Esther Calderon-Monge & Ivan Pastor-Sanz, 2017. "Effects of Contract and Trust on Franchisor Performance," Contemporary Economics, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw., vol. 11(4), December.
    15. Guo, Shiau-Ling, 2023. "The governance implication of the geographic concentration of franchise activities for franchise relationships," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    16. Gillis, William E. & Combs, James G. & Yin, Xiaoli, 2020. "Franchise management capabilities and franchisor performance under alternative franchise ownership strategies," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 35(1).
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    18. William E. Gillis & James G. Combs & David J. Ketchen Jr., 2014. "Using Resource–Based Theory to Help Explain Plural Form Franchising," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 38(3), pages 449-472, May.
    19. Dildar Hussain & Josef Windsperger, 2013. "A property rights view of multi-unit franchising," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 35(2), pages 169-185, April.
    20. Erceg, Aleksandar & Boškovska, Vera, 2020. "Franchising In Macedonia – Opportunities And Threats," UTMS Journal of Economics, University of Tourism and Management, Skopje, Macedonia, vol. 11(2), pages 171-182.
    21. Angela Madan & Mihai-Ioan Roșca & Adrian Apostol, 2022. "A Holistic Concept based on Modern Influential Techniques of Integrated Marketing Communication: A Country Image Model," Journal of Emerging Trends in Marketing and Management, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, vol. 1(1), pages 71-90, November.
    22. Shockley, Jeff & Turner, Tobin, 2016. "A relational performance model for developing innovation and long-term orientation in retail franchise organizations," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 32(C), pages 175-188.
    23. Semrau, Thorsten & Biemann, Torsten, 2022. "When sergeants can outrank generals: Person-organization fit and the performance of franchisees as agents of their franchisor," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 37(2).

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