Joining an E-Marketplace: The Role of Resource and Structural Dependence

This paper applies the resource dependence theory to investigate a focal firm´s decision on whether or not to join a particular e-marketplace. Specifically, this study distinguishes two types of interdependences-resource dependence and structural dependence and argues that these two types of dependences have both separate and joint positive effects on a firm´s joining decision. The empirical findings from 19 e-marketplaces support our hypotheses.