Contracting in the New Economy
Using Relational Contracts to Boost Trust and Collaboration in Strategic Business Relationships
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, organizations must rethink their approach to contracting. The pressures of digital transformation and globalization necessitate a shift towards shared goals and objectives, built on transparency and trust, especially in strategic partnerships. This book emphasizes the importance of moving beyond traditional transactional contracts to embrace relational contracts, which foster collaboration and risk mitigation rather than merely shifting risk to weaker parties. It offers practical tools to cultivate a mindset that values the social aspects of contracting, thereby unlocking the potential of formal relational agreements. The authors present theoretical foundations that validate the effectiveness of relational contracting, supplemented by compelling real-world examples. They also provide a structured approach for implementing these concepts in your own business relationships, including a framework for selecting the appropriate contract model and five actionable steps to develop effective relational contracts. This resource is invaluable for anyone involved in contract development—lawyers, in-house counsels, contract managers, C-level executives, and procurement officers—empowering them to forge strong cooperative alliances that drive business success in today’s dynamic environment.
