LEIZ Book Publication: Advances in Relational Economics

The LEIZ is pleased to announce the publication Advances in Relational Economics – Theoretical, Methodological, Philosophical, and Empirical Foundations, published by Springer, which expands the established book series "Relational Economics and Organization Governance" (REOG). The volume was edited by Jacob Dahl Rendtorff, Lukas Belser and Jessica Geraldo Schwengber and contains contributions by Josef Wieland and Matthias Niedenführ.

This book explores how economic and social values emerge through dynamic, nonlinear interactions within cooperative networks, emphasizing the importance of relationships and networks in value creation. The authors critically examine key topics such as the relational nature of enterprises, relational management and leadership and relational philosophy. Furthermore, concrete models like stakeholder management and relational contracts are analyzed concerning ontology, epistemology and methodology.

Advances in Relational Economics highlights the need for new business models and governance mechanisms to integrate economic and social resources better. It advocates for a network-based, holistic perspective on businesses and underscores that economic success increasingly depends on the ability to manage and foster complex relationships in a globalized world. 

The chapter by Josef Wieland and Tetiana Unkovska deals with "Dynamic Network Models in Relational Theory of the Firm". Jessica Schwengber's article is about "Relational View on Organization Ontology: Insights from Methodological Relationism, Process Philosophy, and Critical Realism". Matthias Niedenführ provides a concrete example of relational thinking in the chapter "Relational and Transactional Rationalities in Chinese Thought and Social Practice".

This publication is intended for scholars, policymakers, and business leaders interested in the future of economic thought and practice. It provides a comprehensive overview of the relational paradigm and invites readers to engage with new perspectives on economics, corporate governance and organizational leadership.

The book is available here. We look forward to your thoughts, opinions and an engaging discussion on this topic!