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• Sydow, J. and A. Windeler (2003). 'Knowledge, Trust, and Control: Managing Tensions and Contradictions in a Regional Network of Service Firms'. International Studies of Management & Organization 33(2): 69-99.

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The relationship of knowledge, trust, and control is not only the medium and result of their more reflexive usage, but it is also characterized by tensions and contradictions. This becomes particularly obvious from a structurationist perspective. This perspective, which focuses on processes of system constitution based on social practices of knowledgeable agents, requires the analysis of any practice, including network practices, with respect to the interplay of 3 aspects: signification, domination, and legitimation. This theoretical perspective is adopted in an in-depth and longitudinal case analysis of the formation, development, and management of a regional network of German insurance brokers. With reference to several events embedded in the development of the network, this case illustrates, in particular, that some knowledge and control is a condition that facilitates the evolution of trust relations. The case also demonstrates that interorganizational trust enhances the efficacy of some control measures and other means of knowledge generation about the network partners and network relationships.