Abstract
Drawn from structuration theory, this research investigates the role interfirm relationship (IR) agents play in appropriating technology features and utilizing everyday interactions to formulate and manage IRs. We examine how structurational conditions (i.e. routinization and reflexivity), information technology (IT) embeddedness, IT enactment (i.e. task coordination and relationship management) and sense-making together impact relationship quality. Findings support the central contention that agents’ cognitive efforts were necessary mediating conditions to realize the benefits of IT embeddedness and structurational conditions in relationship quality enhancement. Also interesting is while IT enactment and sense-making both positively contribute to a trusting, committed and stable relationship, greater ability in making sense of everyday interactions appears to mitigate the effect of IT enactment on relationship quality.