Inter-Organizational Communication : A multiple case study within the Swedish cruise line industry 

Abstract:

Previous research has addressed the importance of IOC, where the outcome of a poor IOC between actors in a network will affect the information sharing and the inter-organizational relationship. The topic has been extensively researched, however researchers are still highlighting the need to further research.

A literature review on the topic area generated an overview of the existing literature within the field. The literature review identified a research gap that founded the purpose of this study. The purpose is to reveal the actors within the industry and how the IOC is structured among three cruise line destinations in Sweden and in the network Cruise Baltic. 

The study was of a qualitative nature and was conducted through a multiple case study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with three cruise line destinations and one cruise line industry network.

The interview data reveals the IOC of the chosen industry and that the destinations have some barriers to overcome when it comes to achieving an effective IOC. Based on the conclusions of this study recommendations for managerial implications were formed.

The findings of the research were able to support previous studies regarding IOC and its key variables. It was revealed that the destinations and the network execute an effective IOC to some extent. The destinations are considerable small in size, which has influenced the IOC to the other actors within the network.