Revisiting Dependency Network Diagrams: A Conceptual Extension

In this paper we propose an extension to the Dependency Network Diagram (DND) technique. We revisit the DND technique to discuss its ability to facilitate the strategic management of cross-organizational ICT-resource collaborations, which are increasingly paramount to achieving sustained competitive advantage. Predicated on resource dependence theory, we operationalize the constructs of power and secondary dependency, and propose their integration into the original DND technique. New rules, together with an updated algorithm for how to construct an extended DND, are introduced. We propose that the extension of the DND technique adds to clearer visualizing, understanding, and communicating dependencies in ICTresource collaborations, and ultimately facilities their strategic management. We point out potential benefits of applying the extended DND technique and provide directions for empirically validating the extension in future research.