Understanding service ecosystem dynamics: a typology

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

As'ad, N (Author) Other; Lia Patrício (Author) FEUP; Koskela-Huotari, K (Author) Other; Edvardsson, B (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Service Management

Vol. 35

Pages: 159-184

ISSN: 1757-5818

Publisher: Emerald

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-FB6

DOI: 10.1108/josm-07-2023-0322

Abstract (EN): PurposeThe service environment is becoming increasingly turbulent, leading to calls for a systemic understanding of it as a set of dynamic service ecosystems. This paper advances this understanding by developing a typology of service ecosystem dynamics that explains the varying interplay between change and stability within the service environment through distinct behavioral patterns exhibited by service ecosystems over time. Design/methodology/approachThis study builds upon a systematic literature review of service ecosystems literature and uses system dynamics as a method theory to abductively analyze extant literature and develop a typology of service ecosystem dynamics. FindingsThe paper identifies three types of service ecosystem dynamics-behavioral patterns of service ecosystems-and explains how they unfold through self-adjustment processes and changes within different systemic leverage points. The typology of service ecosystem dynamics consists of (1) reproduction (i.e. stable behavioral pattern), (2) reconfiguration (i.e. unstable behavioral pattern) and (3) transition (i.e. disrupting, shifting behavioral pattern). Practical implicationsThe typology enables practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of their service environment by discerning the behavioral patterns exhibited by the constituent service ecosystems. This, in turn, supports them in devising more effective strategies for navigating through it. Originality/valueThe paper provides a precise definition of service ecosystem dynamics and shows how the identified three types of dynamics can be used as a lens to empirically examine change and stability in the service environment. It also offers a set of research directions for tackling service research challenges.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 26