This study examines power factors (resource dependence, attraction of relationship maintenance, and institutional forces) in relation to actors' behaviors and ties of varying strength between them within a network of business and sociopolitical spheres. The focus is on Samsung Electronics and Asahi Breweries in the context of the ROK-Japan trade dispute (2019-2023). An analysis model, incorporating perspectives from network theory, resource dependency theory, relationship marketing, and institutional theory, is operationalized and applied to the empirical data. A qualitative content analysis of primarily two Japanese and ROK-based newspapers, along with quantitative data, reveals a domino effect of events impacting the two focal firms, highlighting their interconnected networks. The study also demonstrates how layering of relevant spheres in a given context shapes the perception and impact of power factors, influencing actors' behavior and their ties. Additionally, it emphasizes the benefits of diversifying ties and the importance of distinguishing between short-term and long-term. / Denna studie undersöker maktfaktorer (resursberoende, attraktion att upprätthålla relationer och institutionella tryck) i relation till aktörers beteenden, samt förbindelser sinsemellan i varierande styrka, inom nätverk bestående av affärsmässiga och sociopolitiska sfärer. Fokus ligger på Samsung Electronics och Asahi Breweries i samband med handelskonflikten mellan ROK och Japan (2019-2023). En analysmodell som bygger på perspektiv från nätverksteori, resursberoendeteori, relationsmarknadsföring och institutionell teori har operationaliserats och tillämpats på empirin. En kvalitativ innehållsanalys av främst två japanska respektive ROK-baserade tidningar, kombinerat med kvalitativa data, påvisar en dominoeffekt av händelser som påverkar de två fokala företagen och framhäver deras integrerade nätverk. Studien visar också hur skiktningar av relevanta sfärer i en given kontext formar perception och inverkan av maktfaktorer, vilket påverkar aktörers beteende och deras förbindelser.  Dessutom betonar studien fördelen med diversifiering av förbindelserna och vikten av att skilja mellan långsiktighet  och kortsiktighet.

The development of digitalisation of public administration, also referred to as E-government, effects all actors within today´s society. This thesis aims to analyse whether digitalisation of case management within municipalities contributes to a good interaction between the municipality and business industry. Our main research question is: Does digitalisation contribute to good interaction between the municipality and business industry?  The thesis consists of a qualitative multi-case study of the three municipalities: Gothenburg, Halmstad and Vetlanda, where representatives from both the public administration and local restaurants have been interviewed. The empirical data is furthermore analysed through the thesis analytical tool which is based on a theoretical framework that describes three dimensions of what makes a good interaction: exercise of soft power, interdependence and maintaining of public administration legitimacy.  The results show that digital case management contributes to good interaction between municipalities and the business industry, this through a facilitated interaction that is beneficial for both actors. However, the results also emphasize that digitalization has its challenges due to reduced personal interaction which the study shows valuable for good interaction. Thus, the thesis concludes that digitalization contributes to, but also challenges, good interaction between municipalities and the business industry.