Integration of social compatibilities and competencies in business contexts

This paper is based on scientific as well as practical research results which indicate that the factor human being increasingly plays a central role within networked, complex and temporary work structures. Networking is important because innovations are created due to the efficient use of the core competencies of several enterprises. In addition, enterprises bunch their resources to make sure that they can stand the pressure of globalization. The positive effects caused by such cooperations, however, also result in questions of how to find suitable cooperation partners although they are running short of time. At Chemnitz University of Technology, concepts and models were developed within the scope of a research project by the help of which an IT-aided decision support for the selection of partners is made possible. Therefore, the focus of this contribution is on the social compatibilities and competencies. The initial model is based on a rather exotic and less famous methodology which was developed in the 1970s and 80s by the English mathematician R.H. Atkin. The development and adaptation of the methodology to selection decisions on the field of soft-facts makes the increasing complexity and interdependence of the cooperation partners more controllable.