Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

submittedVersion

Publication Date

11-2012

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of bridging ties within networks of interconnected firms. Bridging ties are defined as nonredundant connections between firms located in different network communities. We highlight how firms can enter into these relationships because of the incentives and opportunities for action that are embedded in the existing network structure. Specifically, we propose that the dynamics of proximate network structures, which reflect firms' and their partners' direct connections, affect the formation of bridging ties by shaping the value-creation and value-distribution incentives for bridging. We also argue that the evolving global network structure affects firms' propensity to form bridging ties by shaping the structural opportunities for bridging. We test our theory using the network of partnership ties among firms in the global computer industry from 1991 to 2005. We find support for structural incentives and opportunities as influential precursors of bridging ties.

Keywords

strategic alliances networks, strategy and policy, social networks, organization and management theory, economic sociology, economics and organization

Discipline

Organizational Behavior and Theory | Strategic Management Policy

Research Areas

Strategy and Organisation

Publication

Organization Science

Volume

23

Issue

6

First Page

1658

Last Page

1681

ISSN

1047-7039

Identifier

10.1287/orsc.1110.0712

Publisher

INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences)

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.1110.0712

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