Towards an analytical framework for value configurations

Based on Thompson’s (1967) three technologies, Stabell and Fjeldstad (1998) proposed three value configurations; the value shop, the value chain and the value network. However, the threefold variety of technologies in Thompson has been recognized as being in contrast with Thompson’s ambition to produce two-by-two classification schemes. Also, Johansson and Jonsson (2012) proposed a new value configuration: the package configuration after studies of industrial firms’ value configurations. Thus, the question arises: how can these value configurations be classified and along what dimensions, in order to facilitate analysis of hybrid forms and changes between value configurations? This paper expands on the current literature on value configurations to provide a deeper understanding of how they can be classified, particularly in the context of organizations that utilize hybrid forms of value configurations and transition between them. A two-by-two matrix is proposed where the value configurations are positioned according to the application of capabilities and the level of co-creation of customers.