Insights into relationship structures : the Australian aluminium industry

Relationships between industrial organizations have been posited to exhibit certain structural characteristics. The authors examined some of the interorganizational relationship structures in the Australian aluminum industry and found that the five levels of the industry exhibit a wealth of intertwined organizational relationships. These relationships are dotted with a number of surprising participants including international firms not in the aluminum industry as well as local and foreign governments with a stake in the continued operation of key aspects of the industry. Conclusions were drawn and certain implications discussed in detail.