The evolution of firm networks: From emergence to early growth of the firm

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Hite, JM; Hesterly, WS
• 署名单位: Brigham Young University; Utah System of Higher Education; University of Utah
• 刊物名称: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0143-2095
• DOI: 10.1002/smj.156
• 发表日期: 2001
• 页码: 275-286
• 关键词: NETWORKS; emergence; EVOLUTION; early growth

摘要

This paper addresses whether cohesive networks of socially embedded ties or sparse networks rich in structural holes are more conductive to the success of new firms. We propose that the networks of emerging firms evolve in order to adapt to the firm's changing resource needs and resource challenges. As firms emerge, their networks consist primarily of socially embedded ties drawn from dense, cohesive sets of connections. We label these networks identity based. As firms move into the early growth stage, their networks evolve reward more ties dosed on a calculation of economic costs and benefits. This shift from identity-based to more calculative networks is manifested in the evolution of the firm networks: (1) from primarily socially embedded lies to a balance of embedded and arm's-lengrh relations: (2) from networks that emphasize cohesion to those that exploit structural holes: and (3) from a more path-dependent to a more intentionally managed network. Thus. this paper suggests that both cohesive and sparse networks are conducive to firm performance when they are aligned with and address firms' evolving resource challenges. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.