Self-Organization and Governance in Digital Platform Ecosystems: An Information Ecology Approach Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • This research investigates the interplay of top-down control and bottom-up self-organization within digital platform ecosystems (DPEs), focusing on the formation and management of complementor coalitions. Although these coalitions can increase a DPE’s generativity, they can also threaten its integrity. We investigate this tension by employing information ecology (IE) theory, which allows us to examine complementor coalitions as holons that navigate between self-assertiveness and integration within the structural hierarchies of DPEs. Utilizing an inductive, embedded case-study approach, we analyze the interplay between top-down control exerted by platform owners and the bottom-up self-organization of complementors in two enterprise software platform ecosystems. Our findings identify three distinct interaction modes—mandated, supported, and autonomous self-organization—each presenting hierarchical trade-offs between platform owner control and complementor autonomy. Our findings extend the prevalent owner-centric theory of platform governance by highlighting the significant impact of bottom-up self-organization on the governance and evolution of DPEs. We propose an integrated theory that accommodates these new dynamics, suggesting soft power as an effective governance mechanism. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities in governing DPEs and offers practical insights for managing top-down control and bottom-up self-organization in the evolving landscape of enterprise software DPEs.

publication date

  • March 1, 2024

Date in CU Experts

  • February 26, 2025 8:31 AM

Full Author List

  • Engert M; Hein A; Maruping LM; Thatcher JB; Krcmar H

author count

  • 5

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0276-7783

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 2162-9730

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 91

end page

  • 122

volume

  • 49

issue

  • 1