TIE BREADTH, TIE STRENGTH AND THE LOCATION OF TIES: THE VALUE OF TIES INSIDE AN EMERGING MNC TO TEAM INNOVATION

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 1650006 ◽  
Author(s):  
KEERAN KOWLASER ◽  
HELENA BARNARD
Keyword(s):  
Tie Strength ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Specific Context ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Team Innovation ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Strength Of Ties

People differ in terms of the number and strength of ties that they cultivate. Previous literature has tended to focus on either strong ties or many weak ties with a largely unstated assumption that some degree of trade-off exists between the two (underlying trust and novel knowledge, respectively) and their relative contribution to innovation. Within the context of R&D in a SA MNC, this research provided evidence that tie breadth and tie strength are complementary in team innovation. The previously-documented tension between novelty and trust however remains present and becomes evident in the location of ties. Both strong and weak ties contribute most to innovation if they are neither too close (i.e., own team) nor too distant (i.e., outside the MNC). Instead, ties inside the greater R&D unit contributed most to innovation. This role of the location of ties suggests that studies of networks cannot remain limited to tie breadth and strength but has to be rooted in the specific context. This is consistent with prior evidence of innovation within mature and process-driven industries where an in-depth understanding of organisation knowledge is required rather than that of novel technologies. This largely inward orientation has important implications for the competitiveness of emerging MNCs.

The influence of “Facebook friends” on the intention to join brand pages

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 580-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariola Palazon ◽  
María Sicilia ◽  
Manuela Lopez
Keyword(s):  
Tie Strength ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Past Behavior ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Level Of Experience ◽  
Source Of Information

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the role of Facebook friends on the intention to join brand pages in this social network site (SNS). SNSs have grown in both popularity and use. They allow individuals to articulate their social networks by developing a list of other members on the site with whom they share a connection. These platforms also allow companies to create profiles to promote their brands. However, many firms have jumped into SNSs by creating a “brand page” without fully understanding how to spread it successfully. Design/methodology/approach – Two experiments were developed. In the first one, the authors manipulated how the individual comes to know about brand pages. Participants discovered a brand page through a friend with whom they have either a strong tie or a weak tie. In the second experiment (2 × 2), the authors manipulated tie strength (strong vs weak) and the type of recommendation (active vs passive). Findings – Results of the first study show that as the individual has more experience in Facebook (measured in this paper through satisfaction, past behavior of following brands and Facebook intensity), the effect of tie strength on the intention to join a brand page dilutes. The second study confirms Study 1 and shows that strong ties exert more influence than weak ties when the brand page is actively recommended by Facebook friends. Practical implications – This paper shows that the influence of strong ties is particularly important for individuals with low levels of experience in Facebook. As experience in SNSs is expected to continue growing, managers should not forget the role of weak ties as a source of information for their networked friends. Strong ties only remain more influential than weak ties when the information about the brand page is received through an invitation. Originality/value – This paper explores the interpersonal influences in Facebook, asserting that the influence of tie strength depends on the level of experience in the SNS, and on the way, information about the brand page is received.

Differences between Role of Strong Ties and Weak Ties in Information Diffusion on Social Network Sites

2014 ◽  
pp. 307-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanaz Kavianpour ◽  
Zuraini Ismail ◽  
Bharanidharan Shanmugam
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Information Diffusion ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Information Propagation ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Strength Of Ties

The popularity of Social Network Sites (SNSs) has increased recently. Social network sites provide platforms which operate based on exchanging information among users; therefore, information propagation is a significant topic in social networking researches. The goal of this chapter is to study the factors that have a significant role in information diffusion, then compare the role of ties in spreading information and evaluating the strength of ties. The result shows that, although strong ties have an important role, the likelihood of information diffusion by weak ties is higher.

Tie Strength and Value Creation in the Buyer-Supplier Context: A U-Shaped Relation Moderated by Dependence Asymmetry

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 1029-1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusoon Kim ◽  
Thomas Y. Choi
Keyword(s):  
Survey Data ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Moderating Effect ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Capability Development ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Dependence Asymmetry ◽  
Moderating Role

This study integrates two disparate genres within tie-strength literature into one model to investigate the mechanisms for value creation in the buyer-supplier context. This research brings together the opposite ends of the tie-strength continuum: the “weak ties,” which are instrumental in tapping into novel ideas and emerging technologies, and the “strong ties,” which promote joint resource investments and capability development. By doing so, we bring salience to the existence of “intermediate ties” (i.e., the ties of moderate strength) and their implications for value creation. Even though the intermediate ties are likely most common in the buyer-supplier context, they have been given short shrift in the literature. We predict a U-shaped relation, where weak ties and strong ties are more effective than intermediate ties in value creation. Furthermore, we explore the moderating role of dependence asymmetry. Our hypotheses are tested using survey data from a major global automaker and its North American suppliers. The results demonstrate that both the weak and strong buyer-supplier ties lead to higher value creation, whereas intermediate ties do not increase value creation. Also, the study illustrates that, overall, asymmetric buyer-supplier ties show diminished value creation, and this moderating effect is particularly pronounced for intermediate ties.

How does the strength of ties influence relationship quality in Chinese megaprojects? The mediating role of contractual flexibility

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhibin Hu ◽  
Guangdong Wu ◽  
Xianbo Zhao ◽  
Jian Zuo ◽  
Shicong Wen
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Process Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Indirect Influence ◽  
Strength Of Ties

PurposeThis study aims to explore the influence of the strength of ties (strong ties and weak ties) on contractual flexibility (term flexibility and process flexibility) and relationship quality among stakeholders in a megaproject network.Design/methodology/approachThis study, via a questionnaire survey, collected 380 valid responses from megaproject professionals (including project managers, department managers and project engineers). The data were analyzed using least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that both strong ties and weak ties have positive effects on relationship quality. The introduction of contractual flexibility can help improve relationship quality by combining the positive effects of the strength of ties. Interestingly, the indirect influence of strong ties on relationship quality is mainly due to term flexibility. However, the influence of process flexibility is not significant, while weak ties have an indirect influence through term flexibility and process flexibility.Research limitations/implicationsThis study, while helpful to megaproject management both in theory and practice, is nevertheless subject to several limitations. First, this study only considers the impact of the strength of ties on contractual flexibility and relationship quality; other factors, such as environmental uncertainty, are not explored. Second, the sample data are limited to just a few regions of China. Future research should cover other influencing factors, in order to make the model more substantial; data should also be collected from different cultural and industrial sources, thereby extending and further verifying the results.Originality/valueThis study makes three contributions to extant megaproject literature. First, this study provides a deep and nuanced understanding of the strength of ties. With the distinction between strong ties and weak ties clearly explained, this research furnishes a subtler understanding of relationship governance than has previously been achieved. Second, by precisely identifying the mechanism of how contract flexibility improves contract control and coordination functions, this research offers a complementary view of how contractual flexibility positively contributes to cooperation and relationship quality. Third, this study identifies which dimension of the strength of ties is more influential. This brings a new explanation for the previous controversy and offers some insight into the determinants of how to improve relationship quality in Chinese megaprojects.

Strong ties, weak ties: Exploring the role of networks in domestic worker migration from Ethiopia to the Middle East

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Kuschminder
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Domestic Workers ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Domestic Worker ◽  
Good Case

This article explores how migrating via a strong or weak tie results in different outcomes for Ethiopian domestic workers in their migration to the Middle East. Few studies have examined this question. Ethiopian domestic workers are a good case for this analysis as networks are critical for providing information and support for live-in domestic workers in the Middle East. Migrating via a strong tie was expected to result in better migration outcomes. The results, however, suggested that migrating via a strong tie can provide support in some cases, but is not enough to guarantee protection to Ethiopian migrant workers in the Middle East.

Emerging networks in the global news arena: Theorizing the structural role of Chinese bridge blogs

Journalism ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 835-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Zheng ◽  
Stephen D Reese
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Theoretical Approach ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Online News ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
National Context ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
National Media ◽  
Media Systems

In this article, we present a theoretical approach to conceptualizing the global news arena as a structure of relations formed across media systems worldwide, relations mapped by hyperlinked connections across online news platforms, including professional news sites, blogs, and other social media. Specifically, we argue that bridge blogs serve as the ‘weak ties’ (in Granovetter’s terms), linking cultural spheres formed by the ‘strong ties’ among traditional national media. Using China as the national context, we provide an overview of the phenomenon of bridge blogs, presenting an illustrative example to show how bridge blogs are positioned to provide contextual information and interpretation of events and issues in China to be better understood by overseas audiences.

The value of online friends: Networked resources via social network sites

First Monday ◽  
2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Stefanone ◽  
Kyounghee Kwon ◽  
Derek Lackaff
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Composite Measure ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Instrumental Value ◽  
Contact Frequency

This study investigated the instrumental value of resources embedded in online social networks. 49 primary participants solicited a total of 588 secondary participants who were asked to complete a modest task. Approximately 16 per cent of all secondary participants responded (N = 98) to the request. 8.5 per cent of weak ties responded and strong ties were about three times more likely to respond. Perceived reciprocity, contact frequency and a composite measure of tie strength were all positively related to enacted support.

How does strength of ties influence project performance in Chinese megaprojects?

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 753-780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangdong Wu ◽  
Junwei Zheng ◽  
Xianbo Zhao ◽  
Jian Zuo
Keyword(s):  
Project Performance ◽  
Task Conflict ◽  
Relationship Conflict ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strength Of Ties ◽  
Process Conflict

Purpose This study aims to investigate how the strength of ties (i.e. strong ties and weak ties) in megaproject networks influences project performance in terms of types of conflicts. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was undertaken with professionals in Chinese megaprojects and 445 valid responses were received. A conflict-based theoretical model was developed and tested with structural equation modeling. Findings The results indicated that task conflict had a constructive effect on project performance, whereas relationship conflict and process conflict had destructive effects. Both strong and weak ties positively affected project performance, and that weak ties exerted greater effects on performance. The introduction of conflicts significantly weakened the effect of strong ties on project performance. Strong ties indirectly affected project performance via task conflict and relationship conflict, whereas weak ties affected performance only through task conflict. Task conflict had a constructive effect on project performance, whereas relationship conflict and process conflict had destructive impact. Research limitations/implications This study identified the positive effect of strength of ties on project performance as well as the constructive and destructive roles of conflicts. Furthermore, the findings provided evidence that strength of ties and conflicts were critical factors for project performance. While, there are still limitations. There are other attributes of megaproject networks, such as network nodes’ characteristics and network structure, which may influence conflicts and project performance. Future research would be conducted to explore the role of these variables. Meanwhile, because different types of conflicts may mutually transform under certain conditions, future research would also address this issue in megaprojects. Practical implications As for the management strategies, project stakeholders should know the existence of project networks, exactly assess their resource endowment, especially their external and internal relationship network. In accordance with changes of the project network, stakeholders should share knowledge and learn techniques about how to respond to relationship disturbances, thus reducing relationship conflict and process conflict. Furthermore, stakeholders should place an emphasis on fostering and reinforcing communication and trust, thus effectively resolving task conflict, ambiguity and uncertainty engendered from network ties in a megaproject network. Originality/value The main contribution of this study is threefold. First, this study will enrich the literature on strength of ties by accentuating the roles of conflicts in megaproject context. Second, this study contributes to the theoretical development of a conceptual model for explaining the interrelationships among strength of ties, conflicts and project performance. Third, this study will respond to the call “which dimension, i.e. strong ties or weak ties, is more influential” by exploring the direct and indirect effects of strength of ties on project performance.

How different strengths of ties impact project performance in megaprojects: the mediating role of trust

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 889-912
Author(s):  
Guangdong Wu ◽  
Huiwen Li ◽  
Chunlin Wu ◽  
Zhibin Hu
Keyword(s):  
Project Performance ◽  
Reputation Management ◽  
Theoretical Development ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Strong Ties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Strength Of Ties ◽  
Calculative Trust

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationships between the different strengths of ties (strong ties and weak ties), types of trust and project performance in megaprojects.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted with various experts and professionals involved in megaprojects, and 350 valid responses were received. Data was analyzed by means of structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that both strong ties and weak ties have positive impacts on trust in megaprojects, but weak ties have a more significant positive effect than do strong ties. Unexpectedly, the introduction of interorganizational trust significantly weakens the effect of the strength of ties on project performance. The indirect influence of the strength of ties on performance has different paths. Weak ties have an indirect effect via calculative trust and relational trust. However, in a strong ties network, inferior stakeholders lack the information necessary to complete a megaproject, and they believe that calculative trust will not promote project performance until the megaproject is successfully delivered. Thus, the effect of calculative trust on project performance is not significant.Research limitations/implicationsThese findings provide evidence in regard to strength of ties governance being a part of the effective strategy in improving megaprojects’ performance. It also demonstrates the mediating function of trust and advances the current understandings of the underlying mechanism of the strength of ties on project performance, thus providing implications for researchers and practitioners. However, this study has some limitations. For example, the strength of ties and trust between organizations are a dynamic process in megaprojects. This study does not conduct in-depth analysis of the evolution mechanism and investigate the different levels of trust at different stages of the megaproject. Future research can be guided by these directions.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this study is fourfold. First, this study enriches the literature on strength of ties by accentuating the roles of trust in megaproject context. Second, this study contributes to the theoretical development of a conceptual model for explaining the interrelationships among strength of ties, types of trust and project performance. Third, this study responds to the call “which dimension (i.e. strong ties or weak ties) is more influential” by exploring the direct and indirect effects of strength of ties on project performance. Finally, this study breaks through the limitation of traditional cognition that megaproject management can be met by relying on rigid contracts. In other words, trust can supplement the weakness of rigid contract by forming contract flexibility with different strength of ties. Meanwhile, the specific strategies to establish and maintain trust are given, such as building information model (BIM) collaboration platform and reputation management mechanism.

scholarly journals Network Ties’ Governance in Entrepreneurial Networking of SMEs: Cases of the Owner-managers in the Southern Region of Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Sarah Omar ◽  
Malcolm Higgs ◽  
Chan Shiau Wei ◽  
Muazam Ali
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Network Governance ◽  
Southern Region ◽  
Tie Strength ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
Network Ties ◽  
Interview Technique ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Strength Of Ties ◽  
Entrepreneurial Networking

There were inconsistent findings on the network ties’ governance on the strength of relationship thus supporting the need to empirically prove the variations associated with the elements of entrepreneurial networking. This study aims to explore how the ownermanagers decide the network governance of network ties strength in their relationships in entrepreneurial networking. Specifically, the objective of the study is to determine the governance of network tie strength in entrepreneurial networking. This is a qualitative study involving eight cases of small-sized food manufacturing firms in the southern region of Malaysia using an in-depth interview technique with the owner-managers. The triangulation of data has been carried out by interviewing individuals who are seen as strong and weak ties of the network. This study found that the strength of ties was not only based on the strong intimacy and high emotional attachment (SIHEA) and trust, but also governed by the tie’s human capital (knowledge, skills, experiences, networking); their attitudes and values that dominate the contents of network relationships. It also found that these themes are integrated among each other in entrepreneurial networking. This study adds value to both network and human capital literature. Only few research studies have examined the network ties among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document