Usage center – value cocreation in multi-actor usage processes

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance extant theorizing around resource integration by conceptualizing and delineating the notion of a usage center. A usage center consists of a combination of interdependent actors that draw on resources across their individual usage processes to create value.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a conceptual inquiry into the usage center.

Findings

This paper delineates the notion of a usage center by way of focal and peripheral resource integrators, as well as focal and peripheral resources that form part of interdependent resource usage processes. The conceptual analysis reveals the need for resources to be accessible and shareable to focal and peripheral actors, with rivalry and emergence central factors influencing the actor’s usage processes.

Originality/value

Responding to recent calls for research developing insights into multi-actor value cocreation, this paper is the first to comprehensively and coherently conceptualize the notion of a usage center. In doing so, the authors build an important foundation for future theorizing related to the potential emergence of usage centers as well as the cocreation of individual and collective value.

Citation

Kleinaltenkamp, M., Plewa, C., Gudergan, S., Karpen, I.O. and Chen, T. (2017), "Usage center – value cocreation in multi-actor usage processes", Journal of Service Theory and Practice, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 721-737. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTP-04-2016-0074