Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
2013
Abstract
The work and expertise of contracts professionals are vital to the operations of modern organizations and the global economy. Strategic planning as well as everyday transactions can be conceived, developed, secured, and implemented through contractual relationships. This accelerating importance and functionality of contracts is not matched, however, by their traditional format or drafting process. Indeed, their mission-critical value is not fully appreciated by decision makers. Many opportunities offered by contracts remain unexplored if contracts are seen merely as legal tools needed only in case a dispute arises. A fresh approach to contracts and contracting is called for.
Drawing on the Authors’ research into user-centered contract design, contract visualization, and proactive contracting, this paper explores how contract practices can be innovated. The early results of our work in progress indicate that information design, embedded into contract design, has the potential to change fundamentally the way organizations define, shape and manage their trading relationships, offering unexplored opportunities for both research and practice.
Recommended Citation
Stefania Passera, Helena Haapio, and Thomas D. Barton, Innovating Contract Practices: Merging Contract Design with Information Design, in PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2013 ACADEMIC FORUM ON INTEGRATING LAW AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT: PROACTIVE, PREVENTIVE AND STRATEGIC APPROACHES (2013). PLEASE NOTE: THIS CITATION WAS INADVERTENTLY MISTAKEN IN ITS INITIAL POSTING ON THIS WEBSITE -- THE ORIGINAL POSTING HAD AN INCORRECT Proceedings TITLE AND AUTHOR LISTING. THE CITATION ABOVE REFLECTS THE ACTUAL PUBLICATION.