Support while control: the influence of embeddedness on virtual community participation

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 625-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Deng ◽  
Bo Gao ◽  
Lei Chen
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Community Participation ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Social Network Theory ◽  
Social Embeddedness ◽  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type

PurposeExploring the antecedents of members community participation is extremely important for virtual communities (VCs) research and practice. As an important social characteristic of individuals, social embeddedness has been proved as an important antecedent of many individual behaviors; however, few research has investigated the influence of virtual community members social embeddedness on virtual community members’ participation. To fill this gap, the purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between social embeddedness and community participation in VCs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper conducted empirical study to test the hypotheses. Based on existing scales, this research designed the questionnaire and used a web-based survey to collect the data from VCs in China. To avoid the common method bias, this study collected data at two different times. The final sample included 96 virtual community members from seven communities (community size ranging from 10 to 25) of Baidu Tieba, which is the largest Chinese online communication platform. And this paper used regression models to analysis the data.FindingsBased on social network theory, this paper found that virtual community members’ social embeddedness in their virtual community has a curvilinear (i.e. inverted U-shaped) effect on their community participation behaviors. And members’ perceived autonomy mediates the curvilinear (i.e. reversed U-shaped) relationship between social network embeddedness and community participation. Furthermore, member instability moderates the curvilinear (i.e. inverted U-shaped) main effect, such that the curvilinear relationship is weakened when member instability is high.Originality/valueDeparting from previous virtual community studies that examine antecedences of participation in linear logic, this study applied social network theory to create a complex, curvilinear, moderated mediation model. The result reveals a curvilinear (i.e. inverted U-shaped) relationship between virtual community members’ social embeddedness in the virtual community and their community participation. And this study also introduce autonomy as mediator and member instability as moderator. By testing the whole model between community members’ social embeddedness and community participation, this study contributes to deepen the understanding of social embeddedness and virtual community participation.

Alliance portfolios and firm performance: the moderating role of environmental dynamics

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (8) ◽  
pp. 1550-1566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Wang ◽  
Haijun Bao
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Social Network Theory ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Moderating Role ◽  
Alliance Portfolios

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the operation strategy of high-performance alliance portfolios by analyzing the effect of alliance portfolios on the performance of focal firms, using post-structuralism of social network theory and contingency theory. In detail, this paper refines alliance portfolios into three dimensions, and studies the moderating role of context on the relation between alliance portfolios and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach The empirical study was carried out with second-hand data gathered from Internal Revenue Service. In total, this paper gathered data from 506 focal firms in Zhejiang Province from 2001 to 2010 as the sample to test the hypotheses. Findings Based on the empirical results, the authors find the positive effect of relational dimension (weak alliance portfolios) and partner dimension (the diversity of partners) on performance. The effect of the former will become weaker with the increasing environmental dynamic, while the effect of the latter will become stronger. However, the structural dimension (alliance portfolios size) and relational dimension (new partners) have the negative effect on performance. And the negative effect will become stronger under high environmental dynamic. Moreover, the negative effect of non-local partners on performance becomes stronger when the environmental dynamic is high. Research limitations/implications The paper reveals that with the industry transformation caused by “internet +,” companies have been required go beyond traditional dyadic alliance management perspective. That is to say, individual alliance relationship should be seen as a part of a much broader picture of alliance portfolio. As such, the framework may help companies to manage their alliance portfolios by matching high-performance alliance portfolios to the external environment to produce a synergistic effect (Lea et al., 2006; Tritos et al., 2013; Keith et al., 2014) taking the characteristics of the configuration of alliance portfolios into consideration. Originality/value The paper presents a model that explains the effect of three dimensions of alliance portfolios on the performance of focal firms in different contexts through empirical study. This paper also integrates post-structuralism of social network theory and contingency theory to enable the understanding on the configuration of alliance portfolios.

Migration and outward FDI: a double direction approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Alcaraz ◽  
Elizabeth Salamanca
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Social Network ◽  
North America ◽  
International Migration ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Social Network Theory ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify, based on social network theory, the relationship between the direction of international migration (immigration/emigration) and the international movement of enterprises and their location. Design/methodology/approach A traditional gravity model and the Tobit estimation method are applied to three groups of countries from three different regions: Latin America, North America and the European Union. The study considers a period from 2001 to 2012. Findings The main results suggest that the international migration that goes from the European Union and North America to Latin America is related with the firms’ internationalization and their respective location. Practical implications Given that migration can be an important and reliable source of information, trust and knowledge, managers should see it as a “bridge” between the home and host countries, which, in turn, can increase their competitive advantage. Social implications Governments can learn how migration and outward foreign direct investment interact. In addition, they could develop political frameworks to accurately and effectively manage international migration (immigration and emigration) and FDI in the best interests of the stakeholders. Originality/value This study extends the social network theory by suggesting that networks are not only related with firms’ expansion abroad but as well with their location. This statement could be generalizable as long as emigration/networks (ethnic ties) are considered the links between the home and the host country.

The antecedents of creative article diffusion on blogs

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiu-Hua Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Innovation Diffusion ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Diffusion Theory ◽  
Social Network Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Network Data ◽  
Innovation Diffusion Theory ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Bloggers often create digital content. Diffusion of the creative articles can make many bloggers or readers visit blog platforms. Restated, diffusion of the creative articles can assist blog service providers (BSPs) to retain bloggers and attract new bloggers. Thus, the research is conducted on creative article diffusion on blogs based on innovation diffusion theory and social network theory. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach In this study, an information system was used to collect 250 creative articles and social network data of these creative articles. Validity of the specific study hypotheses is tested by using multi-regression analysis. Findings Analytical results indicate both observability and network density positively affect creative article diffusion, and ties-strength negatively affects creative article diffusion. Research limitations/implications Since the interpersonal interactive mechanism of blogs differs from that of social network websites, bloggers establish different social networks which may influence innovation diffusion. However, different websites may have different interpersonal interactive mechanisms. Therefore, the results of this study should not be over-generalized. Practical implications For diffusing information, BSPs may focus on blog articles with trackback rate below 10 percent among the friends-bloggers network and advertise these articles to make their trackback rate increase to 10-20 percent to reach the self-sustaining status. This strategy ensures the largest payoff from creative article diffusion. Originality/value This study contributes to the knowledge of social network and innovation diffusion on blog website and develops a model explaining how antecedents influence creative article diffusion.

Foregrounding the role of relationships in reform

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 819-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Hwa Liou ◽  
Alan J. Daly ◽  
Chris Brown ◽  
Miguel del Fresno
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Educational Leadership ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Social Network Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The role of relationships in the process of leadership and change is central, yet the social aspect of the work of reform is often background in favor of more technical approaches to improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to argue that social network theory and analysis provides a useful theory and set of tools to unpack the complex social work of leadership. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper the authors begin by reviewing social network theory in education to date. The authors identify strengths and gap areas and use findings and data from existing social network studies of educational leadership to highlight major concepts. Findings – Along with empirical examples, the paper proposes four important strands of social network analysis for future research in educational leadership: multiplex networks; multi-mode networks; longitudinal networks; and real time networks. Originality/value – This paper builds on recent scholarship using social network analysis in educational leadership and suggests that social network theory and methods provides unique and important analytic purchase in the study of educational leadership.

Effects of social capital on online knowledge sharing: positive and negative perspectives

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 466-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiu-Ping Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relationship Continuity ◽  
Complementary Resources

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model of how both the benefits and risks of social capital influence online knowledge sharing among virtual community members towards enhancing members’ relationship continuity and virtual community reputations. In addition, this study addresses the effects of complementary resources on knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach – The structural equation modelling approach was applied to estimate the conceptual model by using survey data from virtual community members. A total of 626 valid questionnaires were collected. Findings – The empirical results showed that most of the research hypotheses were supported. The benefits of social capital and complementary resources have a positive effect on knowledge sharing, thereby strengthening relationship continuity and community reputation. Furthermore, the risk of social capital has a negative effect on knowledge sharing, as expected. Originality/value – A review of the literature reveals a lack of studies focusing on both the positive and negative influences of social capital on online knowledge sharing. This study therefore contributes to a comprehensive perspective for understanding online knowledge sharing in virtual communities.

Social capital dimensions and employee creativity: Does cognitive style matter?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-21
Author(s):  
Rahma Oussi ◽  
Wafi Chtourou
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cognitive Style ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Social Network Theory ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Structural Dimension ◽  
Employee Creativity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social

Purpose This study aims to investigate the theoretical limitations of the social network theory applied on employee creativity. Design/methodology/approach By combining the social network theory and componential model of creativity, this study studies the possible impact of social capital through its three dimensions (structural, relational and cognitive dimension) on individual creativity, to explore then the moderating effect of cognitive style as individual characteristic on the structural dimension of social capital such weak ties and employee creativity. Findings The results show that, on a sample of 95 employees belonging to four companies in the IT sector, predictions based on the social network theory are only weakly verified. Indeed, the relational and cognitive dimensions of social capital do not have a significant impact on individual creativity. Originality/value Based on Kim et al.’s (2016) call for future research, this study extends the assumptions of the social network theory announcing that social capital through its structural dimension may have an identical impact on individual creativity in all circumstances.

Ethnic networks and multinational firms’ location decisions

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-298
Author(s):  
Jorge Alcaraz ◽  
Elizabeth Salamanca ◽  
Otto Regalado-Pezúa
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Social Network ◽  
North America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Social Network Theory ◽  
Location Decisions ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethnic Networks

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of ethnic networks on firms’ location decisions using social network theory and the homophily principle. Design/methodology/approach A traditional gravity model is used on a sample composed of high-skilled and low-skilled ethnic networks and multinational enterprises (MNEs) from Latin America, North America and the European Union. Findings Contrary to findings of previous studies, ethnic networks do not appear to influence location decisions of Latin American firms expanding into countries from North America and the European Union. This might be because of weak ethnic connections among the players. Practical implications Managers must be aware that ethnic networks not always can be used for the strategy of the firm, at least regarding location. Social implications Governments and entrepreneurial and immigrant associations from home and host countries could develop initiatives addressed to strengthening the links between the members of the networks. Originality/value This study extends the social network theory in the sense that ethnic networks do not always positively affect firms’ location. Moreover, it is important to consider the specific context or features of the members of a network before analyzing its effects on firms’ location.

E-Business Perspectives through Social Networks

2011 ◽  
pp. 651-660
Author(s):  
Mahesh Raisinghani ◽  
Elon Marques
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Social Network Theory ◽  
The Internet ◽  
The Social ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
New Research

This chapter is focused on some of the current research being conducted in the field of social network theory. The importance of studying the social network concepts is attached to a better understanding of individuals and how and why people interact with each other, as well as how technology and the Internet can affect this interaction. The social network theory field has grown significantly in the last years, and the use of the Internet and advanced computing technology has contributed to new research in this growing area. The first aspect to be covered is the social network theory and some applications for social networks. Also virtual communities, as well as the control over communications tools through social networks will be discussed. Finally, the technology side of social networks will be presented, as mobile social networks, internet social networking systems and e-business correlation, social network software and future trends of social networks. The main objective of this research is to illustrate the correlation between electronic (e-) business (of which e-government is a subset) and social networking.

Sustainability disclosure through virtual community: the case of the wine sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (8) ◽  
pp. 2513-2530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Fait ◽  
Demetris Vrontis ◽  
Amedeo Maizza ◽  
Federica Cavallo
Keyword(s):  
Online Community ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Disclosure ◽  
Wine Sector ◽  
Pro Social Behavior ◽  
Engagement System

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to observe how the motivational engagement system of the consumers should be established so that communities of practice became a driver to reducing the informative asymmetries of sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The paper proposes a conceptual framework called connection, discussion and influence (CDI), along which the motivational dimensions to disclose sustainability can be formed. The framework has been tested on 200 firms in the Italian wine industry. A correlation analysis proved to be suitable for identifying groups of representative variables representing the engagement motivations that characterize participation in sustainability-oriented virtual communities. Findings The findings of this paper suggest that the pro-social behavior represented by the exchange of knowledge oriented toward sustainability is enhanced by the engagement of online community members. This happens when the online community is structured so as to activate a virtuous circle between CDI. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of this study is the interviewees do not actually participate in a virtual community, but have only been asked if they would be potentially interested in participating in one, and about the importance they give to specific motivations. Practical implications The paper provides important reflections for companies operating in the wine industry that have been called to intervene in the disclosure of sustainability. Originality/value The virtuous circle described here is the main contribution of the paper, as it can serve as a driver for managers of virtual communities that choose to disclose their idea of sustainability to reduce informative asymmetries and to engage consumers.

Consumer behavior in the online context

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Cummins ◽  
James W. Peltier ◽  
John A. Schibrowsky ◽  
Alexander Nill
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Network Theory ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Network Theory ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
User Generated Content ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Consumer Behavior ◽  
Online Consumer

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to review the consumer behavior and social network theory literature related to the online and e-commerce context. Design/methodology/approach – To conduct the review, the authors draw on a sample of 942 articles published from 1993 to 2012 addressing consumer behavior or social network issues in the online or social media context. The sample is analyzed by both era (incubation, expansion and explosion) and primary topic. Findings – Eight categories of online consumer behavior research are described. In the order from largest to smallest, these are: cognitive issues, user-generated content, Internet demographics and segmentation, online usage, cross cultural, online communities and networks, strategic use and outcomes and consumer Internet search. Originality/value – The literature has been summarized in each category and research opportunities have been offered for consumer behavior and social network scholars interested in exploring the online context.

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