Self-Organization and Governance in Digital Platform Ecosystems: An Information Ecology Approach
Journal
MIS Quarterly
ISSN
0276-7783
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2024-08
Author(s)
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.
Keywords
Digital platform ecosystem
complementor
holons
self-organization
soft power
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
MIS Quarterly
Volume
49
Number
1
Start page
91
End page
122
Subject(s)
Division(s)
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
restricted
Name
Self-Organization and Governance_MISQ_Author Copy.pdf
Type
Main Article
Description
Author copy
Size
1.44 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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