Reciprocity and interorganizational governance-A multicase analysis of exchange systems

Exchange is regarded as the fundamental activity in every economic context. Seeking a, theoretical conceptualization of interorganizational exchange, we conduct interpretative analysis of, venture capital organizations in Germany and their portfolio companies to develop an exchangerelated, perspective centered on reciprocity in interorganizational relations. We identify two types of, exchange-economic exchange reciprocity and social obligation reciprocity which differ, considerably in their exchange cultures, modes, structures, and resources. The theoretical perspective, might help make the rediscovered concept of reciprocity useful in other organizational and, interorganizational relations. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.