Horizontal inter-organizational networks as a complex co-evolutionary adaptive system: the case study of a supermarket network

This paper seeks to understand the phenomenon of horizontal interorganizational networks (HINs). For this purpose, the framework of complex adaptive systems (CASs) and coevolution was used, both approaches based on the Complexity Theory. The objective is to identify basic features of a complex adaptive system, present in a horizontal interorganizational network of supermarkets in southern Minas Gerais. A qualitative case study was carried out on the retail purchase network, referred to in this study as the Ômega Network. It was found that this network is a system formed by the coevolutive process of its agents, whose basic objective is to promote their competitiveness. This process has resulted in increased operational effectiveness of the agents and learning, which results in collective and individual innovations. The results also indicate the presence of elements of selforganization in the Omega Network. The research results have implications for the understanding of competitiveness within the networks and the importance of learning and innovation in its development. The work also paves the way for new studies of networks as organizational evolving systems.