Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces Description

Companies can engage with many online social networks and communities to attract customers, disseminate product information, conduct research, and stimulate innovation. However, for these activities to be successful, it is key that consumers at these platforms trust each other and are willing to share their knowledge freely. The study presented in this article assesses what companies can do to encourage members of online communities and marketplaces to share information with others. For this purpose, a netnographic study was conducted of Etsy.com, an online marketplace for handcrafted and vintage products. The study revealed several key findings: companies can stimulate information sharing through activities that build trust and develop a norm of reciprocity; rules and guidelines are helpful to discourage abuse, but do little to stimulate sharing; and companies should give the right example by sharing knowledge themselves. The guidelines that were developed based on these findings can be used by companies that own or manage an online community as well as by those who intend to engage with one.

Case Description Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Strategic Managment Tools Used in Case Study Analysis of Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

STEP 1. Problem Identification in Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study

STEP 2. External Environment Analysis - PESTEL / PEST / STEP Analysis of Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study

STEP 3. Industry Specific / Porter Five Forces Analysis of Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study

STEP 4. Evaluating Alternatives / SWOT Analysis of Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study

STEP 5. Porter Value Chain Analysis / VRIO / VRIN Analysis Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study

STEP 6. Recommendations Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study

STEP 7. Basis of Recommendations for Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study

Case Analysis of Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces is a Harvard Business (HBR) Case Study on Technology & Operations , Texas Business School provides HBR case study assignment help for just $9. Texas Business School(TBS) case study solution is based on HBR Case Study Method framework, TBS expertise & global insights. Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces is designed and drafted in a manner to allow the HBR case study reader to analyze a real-world problem by putting reader into the position of the decision maker. Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study will help professionals, MBA, EMBA, and leaders to develop a broad and clear understanding of casecategory challenges. Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces will also provide insight into areas such as – wordlist , strategy, leadership, sales and marketing, and negotiations.

Case Study Solutions Background Work

Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study solution is focused on solving the strategic and operational challenges the protagonist of the case is facing. The challenges involve – evaluation of strategic options, key role of Technology & Operations, leadership qualities of the protagonist, and dynamics of the external environment. The challenge in front of the protagonist, of Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces, is to not only build a competitive position of the organization but also to sustain it over a period of time.

Strategic Management Tools Used in Case Study Solution

The Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study solution requires the MBA, EMBA, executive, professional to have a deep understanding of various strategic management tools such as SWOT Analysis, PESTEL Analysis / PEST Analysis / STEP Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, Go To Market Strategy, BCG Matrix Analysis, Porter Value Chain Analysis, Ansoff Matrix Analysis, VRIO / VRIN and Marketing Mix Analysis.

Texas Business School Approach to Technology & Operations Solutions

In the Texas Business School, Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study solution – following strategic tools are used - SWOT Analysis, PESTEL Analysis / PEST Analysis / STEP Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, Go To Market Strategy, BCG Matrix Analysis, Porter Value Chain Analysis, Ansoff Matrix Analysis, VRIO / VRIN and Marketing Mix Analysis.

We have additionally used the concept of supply chain management and leadership framework to build a comprehensive case study solution for the case – Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Step 1 – Problem Identification of Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces - Harvard Business School Case Study

The first step to solve HBR Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study solution is to identify the problem present in the case. The problem statement of the case is provided in the beginning of the case where the protagonist is contemplating various options in the face of numerous challenges that Sharing Stimulate is facing right now. Even though the problem statement is essentially – “Technology & Operations” challenge but it has impacted by others factors such as communication in the organization, uncertainty in the external environment, leadership in Sharing Stimulate, style of leadership and organization structure, marketing and sales, organizational behavior, strategy, internal politics, stakeholders priorities and more.

Step 2 – External Environment Analysis

Texas Business School approach of case study analysis – Conclusion, Reasons, Evidences - provides a framework to analyze every HBR case study. It requires conducting robust external environmental analysis to decipher evidences for the reasons presented in the Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces.

The external environment analysis of Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces will ensure that we are keeping a tab on the macro-environment factors that are directly and indirectly impacting the business of the firm.

What is PESTEL Analysis? Briefly Explained

PESTEL stands for political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors that impact the external environment of firm in Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study. PESTEL analysis of " Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces" can help us understand why the organization is performing badly, what are the factors in the external environment that are impacting the performance of the organization, and how the organization can either manage or mitigate the impact of these external factors.

How to do PESTEL / PEST / STEP Analysis? What are the components of PESTEL Analysis?

As mentioned above PESTEL Analysis has six elements – political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal. All the six elements are explained in context with Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces macro-environment and how it impacts the businesses of the firm.

How to do PESTEL Analysis for Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

To do comprehensive PESTEL analysis of case study – Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces , we have researched numerous components under the six factors of PESTEL analysis.

Political Factors that Impact Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Political factors impact seven key decision making areas – economic environment, socio-cultural environment, rate of innovation & investment in research & development, environmental laws, legal requirements, and acceptance of new technologies.

Policy Making Impact on Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Government policies have significant impact on the business environment of any country. The firm in “ Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces ” needs to navigate these policy decisions to create either an edge for itself or reduce the negative impact of the policy as far as possible.

Data safety laws – The countries in which Sharing Stimulate is operating, firms are required to store customer data within the premises of the country. Sharing Stimulate needs to restructure its IT policies to accommodate these changes. In the EU countries, firms are required to make special provision for privacy issues and other laws.

Competition Regulations – Numerous countries have strong competition laws both regarding the monopoly conditions and day to day fair business practices. Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces has numerous instances where the competition regulations aspects can be scrutinized.

Import restrictions on products – Before entering the new market, Sharing Stimulate in case study Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces" should look into the import restrictions that may be present in the prospective market.

Export restrictions on products – Apart from direct product export restrictions in field of technology and agriculture, a number of countries also have capital controls. Sharing Stimulate in case study “ Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces ” should look into these export restrictions policies.

Foreign Direct Investment Policies – Government policies favors local companies over international policies, Sharing Stimulate in case study “ Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces ” should understand in minute details regarding the Foreign Direct Investment policies of the prospective market.

Taxation & Regulation Impact on Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Corporate Taxes – The rate of taxes is often used by governments to lure foreign direct investments or increase domestic investment in a certain sector. Corporate taxation can be divided into two categories – taxes on profits and taxes on operations. Taxes on profits number is important for companies that already have a sustainable business model, while taxes on operations is far more significant for companies that are looking to set up new plants or operations.

Tariffs – Chekout how much tariffs the firm needs to pay in the “ Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces ” case study. The level of tariffs will determine the viability of the business model that the firm is contemplating. If the tariffs are high then it will be extremely difficult to compete with the local competitors. But if the tariffs are between 5-10% then Sharing Stimulate can compete against other competitors.

Government Scheme & Subsidies Impact on Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Research and Development Subsidies and Policies – Governments often provide tax breaks and other incentives for companies to innovate in various sectors of priority. Managers at Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study have to assess whether their business can benefit from such government assistance and subsidies.

Consumer protection – Different countries have different consumer protection laws. Managers need to clarify not only the consumer protection laws in advance but also legal implications if the firm fails to meet any of them.

Political System & Stability, and its Impact on Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Political System and Its Implications – Different political systems have different approach to free market and entrepreneurship. Managers need to assess these factors even before entering the market.

Freedom of Press is critical for fair trade and transparency. Countries where freedom of press is not prevalent there are high chances of both political and commercial corruption.

Corruption level – Sharing Stimulate needs to assess the level of corruptions both at the official level and at the market level, even before entering a new market. To tackle the menace of corruption – a firm should have a clear SOP that provides managers at each level what to do when they encounter instances of either systematic corruption or bureaucrats looking to take bribes from the firm.

Independence of judiciary – It is critical for fair business practices. If a country doesn’t have independent judiciary then there is no point entry into such a country for business.

Government attitude towards trade unions – Different political systems and government have different attitude towards trade unions and collective bargaining. The firm needs to assess – its comfort dealing with the unions and regulations regarding unions in a given market or industry. If both are on the same page then it makes sense to enter, otherwise it doesn’t.

Economic Factors that Impact Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Social Factors that Impact Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Technological Factors that Impact Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Environmental Factors that Impact Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Legal Factors that Impact Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces

Step 3 – Industry Specific Analysis

What is Porter Five Forces Analysis

PESTEL stands for political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors that impact the external environment of firm in Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study. PESTEL analysis of " Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces" can help us understand why the organization is performing badly, what are the factors in the external environment that are impacting the performance of the organization, and how the organization can either manage or mitigate the impact of these external factors.

Step 4 – SWOT Analysis / Internal Environment Analysis

Step 5 – Porter Value Chain / VRIO / VRIN Analysis

Step 6 – Evaluating Alternatives & Recommendations

Step 7 – Basis for Recommendations

References :: Managing information sharing in online communities and marketplaces case study solution