READING BEYOND THE LINES

A Psychological Challenge on Past Works of Organizational

Networks

ANTECEDENTS & CONSEQUENCES

ORGANIZATIONAL NETWORK ANALYSIS

Structural analysis

Centrality, Density, Tie Strength

• Innovation

• Knowledge-sharing Patterns

• Alliance Strategies

PROBLEMS…

OVEREMPHASIS ON MODELING

OVEREMPHASIS ON Modeling

Assumption:

• Neutral, uniform actors

• Ties are ‘given’

HOWEVER…

Psychology of Individuals:

• We ‘audit’ relations

– Territoriality

• Social capital: Guanxi

PROPOSITION #1

Psychology of Individuals:

The eventual network configuration of the organizational network is less than expected due to psychology of individuals

ALSO…

Psychology of Individuals:

• Personality: charisma

• Perceived similarities

– Old Boys’ Network biasedness

PROPOSITION #2

Psychology of Individuals:

The eventual network configuration of the organizational network is better than expected due to psychology of individuals

Troubles with Multi-level perspective

Troubles with Multi-level perspective

Assumption:

• Convenient ‘dissection’ of levels

• Ascertain non-focal / focal actors

– Neutrality of non-focal individuals

Organization

Organization

TEAM

HOWEVER…

Psychology of Non-focal Individuals:

• Territorial Behaviors

– “This job was mine!”

• Exert psychological pressures

PROPOSITION #3

Psychology of Non-focal Individuals:

The eventual network configuration of the organizational network is less than expected due to psychology of non-focal individuals

ALSO…

Psychology of Non-focal Individuals:

• Motivated tactician

– Guanxi cultivation

• Impression Management

– ‘creating’ that impression

PROPOSITION #4

Psychology of Non-focal Individuals:

The eventual network configuration of the organizational network is better than expected due to psychology of non-focal individuals

UNDOCUMENTED NEGATIVE TIES

UNDOCUMENTED NEGATIVE TIES

Assumption:

• Single polarity in relationships

– “closeness” vs “animosity”

• ties based on strength

HOWEVER…

Psychology of Negative Relationships:

• Existing literature:– Contempt, gossips, territoriality

• Ought to document negative ties

IN ADDITION…

Psychology of Negative Relationships:

• Balance Theory (Heider, 1956)

A

B C

+

-

-

PROPOSITION #5

Psychology of Negative Relationships:

The eventual network configuration of the organizational network is less than expected due to existing negative ties

Determinable Network structures?

Determinable NETWORK STRUCTUREs?

Assumption:

• Constant stability

– Ties are constant and present

HOWEVER…

Determinable Network Structures?

• Relations subject to idiosyncrasies

• “dynamic” stability

– Can be more, can be less

PROPOSITION #6

Psychology of Negative Relationships:

The eventual network configuration of the organizational network is less deterministic than expected due to psychologies of individuals, both focal & non-focal.

DISCUSSIONS

Implications of a Less than Desired Network Config:

• Centrality, density lower / higher

– Reexamine attributions to effects• Knowledge-sharing, Power

– Perhaps more of individuals• Structural effects not so determinable

Contributions

• Challenge accuracy of past works

– Structural ‘integrity’ in first place

– Empirical support mooted• Knowledge sharing: cultural?• Innovation: individual creativity?

Contributions

• Accentuate non-focal individuals & negative ties

– Problems of ‘leveled’ perspectives

– Further promote studies on negative ties

Contributions

• Contribute to literature on org birth / creations

– Psychology shapes structural configuration

– Interdependence of individuals

Contributions

• Stress inseparability of psychology in social relations

– Social life > structural patterning of ties

– Appreciate social psychological concepts

Conclusion

• Stress problems in assumptions of structural analysis in organizational networks

• Organizational network analysis still useful

– Reinvents to become more robust