Performance of Franchising Networks: Conceptual Framework

Abstract

This paper works out a conceptual framework for studying the performance of franchising networks. Franchising networks, which originally developed in the context of Western economies, are currently operating in transition economies as well. Some franchising networks fail and some succeed. The paper views performance of networks as a complex process of adaptation to the environment. Characteristics of networks, which appear due to the environment, influence the drivers of performance, i.e. the factors that are responsible for the networks’ success or failure. The paper is theoretical and makes use of different sources of evidence: empirical and theoretical studies on franchising and inter-organisational networks. The conceptual framework is finally tested on a small case study of two franchising networks operating in Russia.