This study aims to explore the interfirm product development, which is based on the knowledge provided by core component supplier and carried out by brand firm and contract manufacturer. The quantitative analysis results show that by “using core component supplier's toolkit” and “conducting technology communication with core component supplier,” contract manufacturer can have a positive effect on the decision making rights in the interfirm product development with the brand firm. In such triad interfirm division of labor, this study asserts that the assignments of decision making rights are decided by the extent to which the firm (principle) or partner (agent) can acquire higher degree of knowledge from a third party.

Weick (1987) discusses three factors that support high reliability organizations: (1) requisite variety, (2) characteristics of reliability, and (3) enactment. While standing on the premise that there is a limitation to deal with complex systems, Weick (1987) suggests the possibility that individuals or organizations could overcome it and that organizational culture weaved in stories is important. Another characteristic is that Weick (1987) repeatedly mentions variety throughout the article. In research of high reliability organizations, a framework is later proposed by Weick, Sutcliffe, and Obstfeld (1999) and Weick and Sutcliffe (2001) and the concept of mindfulness is presented, it is considered that variety mentioned by Weick (1987) will be the keyword to understand mindfulness.