Pierre DAL ZOTTO

Jury Membership

Abstract

This dissertation consists of several articles whose common thread—beyond their disciplinary roots in the field of information systems—lies in understanding the collaborative dynamics among individuals, organizations, and digital artifacts, particularly in the context of online communities, commonly referred to as value co-creation. After presenting the epistemology guiding this work and the extended period of time it required, we begin with an introduction that provides a state-of-the-art overview of value co-creation and the digitization of relationships between organizations and individuals. In the first chapter, based on a review of secondary sources, we develop a matrix presenting four strategic initiatives dependent on digital technologies—including online communities—classified according to the level of engagement of both the organization and its users. In the second chapter, using a design-based approach and five case studies, we develop and present an educational game that enables practitioners to co-create value-generating ideas with stakeholders. In the third chapter, adopting an institutional perspective and a qualitative methodology focused on the interactions between an entrepreneur and their community—supplemented by qualitative interviews—we offer reflections on the work entrepreneurs undertake to create a creative online community as part of a crowdsourcing project. In the fourth chapter, maintaining the same level of detail, we explore the perspective of gift theory. We then apply this theory to analyze the relationships between community management and the community’s internal functioning, with the aim of shedding light on innovation within an organization that sponsors an online community. Finally, in the general conclusion, we summarize the main theoretical and practical contributions and limitations of this dissertation and propose avenues for future research.