Understanding Leadership Practices in the Context of Interorganisational Collaboration: a Critical Review of Qualitative Studies

Abstract Book of the 8th International Conference on Future of Business, Management and Economics

Year: 2026

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Understanding Leadership Practices in the Context of Interorganisational Collaboration: a Critical Review of Qualitative Studies

Peter Bos, Marian Thunnissen, Maaike Endedijk

ABSTRACT:

Leadership in interorganisational collaboration (IOC) is frequently mentioned but not well-defined. This critical review synthesizes qualitative studies to develop a framework for understanding how leadership is constructed in IOC settings. We conducted a systematic search of ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science (2013–2023), focusing on peer-reviewed empirical qualitative studies, and selected 85 articles. An inductive, grounded theory-based method was utilized to identify recurring configurations of leadership practices enacted by diverse actors in different types of IOCs. We identified eight leadership practices both within and outside IOCs. These practices could be carried out by individual actors, collective actors, or a combination of both. We also clarify how champions, sponsors, leading organisations and leadership collectives enact the eight practices differently. Practices did not differ by maturity level, and only small differences were found in relation to the type of collaboration. The review contributes an integrative framework of interorganisational leadership and methodological guidance for future research to specify who does what, for whom, under what conditions, and why in IOC settings.

Keywords: Interorganisational Collaboration; Leadership Practices; Critical Review; Qualitative Studies