Organizational structures to manage global production networks – A contingency based multiple case study

The organizational structure of the global production network management varies across companies. Some have dedicated departments for global production management, others integrate it into existing line functions or in a staff function. The increasing trend of globalization underscores the importance of effective coordination of these networks. The aim of the paper is to explore the structural and contextual dimensions of the strategic management of global production networks and to derive recommendations for companies. Therefore, semi-structured interviews were conducted by interviewing managers who are responsible for the global production network to identify different organizational forms as well as relevant contingency factors.