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Sub-theme 14: (SWG) Organizational Network Research: Organization and Renewal of Organizational Networks

Convenors:
Terry L. Amburgey
University of Toronto, Canada
Jörg Raab
University of Tilburg, The Netherlands
Barak S. Aharonson
University of Tel Aviv, Israel

Call for Papers


Network dynamics and processes are the continuing, primary foci of the EGOS Standing Working Group (SWG) 14. As a consequence, we continue to encourage the submission of papers to this sub-theme 14 that fall into the following four general areas:

  • Studies that shed more light on the underlying processes of causal relationships between structural characteristics and outcomes of inter-organizational relations and networks
  • Studies that examine the actions of individuals and organizations in inter-organizational relations and networks over time
  • Studies that analyze and explain processes and patterns of inter-organizational relations and networks or use them to explain various outcomes
  • Studies that describe and analyze the dynamic evolution and change of networks and their antecedents


The EGOS 2014 Colloquium theme – Reimagining, Rethinking, Reshaping – fits well with the focus of our SWG: dynamics and change. However, the role of network dynamics differs greatly depending upon the nature of the networks. Some networks are the result of agency, they are constructed purposively. So-called whole networks are an example of agency-based networks. For example, code-sharing networks of airlines are constructed with specific goals in mind. In these agency-based networks reimagining, rethinking, and reshaping are largely questions of adapting governance in response to changing circumstances. Similarly ego-networks, the set of actors linked to a focal actor in a larger network, can be seen as resulting from agency on the part of the focal actor. In these agency-based networks reimagining, rethinking and reshaping are largely questions of changing the composition of partners. Emergent networks do not result from agency other than the motivations of specific actors in forming specific ties. For example, the network that results from the formation of dyadic strategic alliances in an organizational field has no shared purpose and no governance structure.

In emergent networks reimagining, rethinking and reshaping draws our attention to changes that result from aggregate patterns in common motivations and how these aggregate patterns affect changes in network structure over time. We therefore also welcome submissions concerned with:

  • The creation (organization) of organizational networks and the nature of governance and composition in agency-based networks
  • The nature of shared motivations in emergent networks and the (changing) compositions of emergent networks
  • The development of emergent into agency-based networks and the consequences for governance, motivation, processes and outcomes
  • The renewal (reorganization) of organizational networks, changes in governance and composition in agency-based networks over time and the consequences of shared motivation on the evolution of emergent organizational networks

 

Terry L. Amburgey is Professor of Strategic Management at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, Canada. His research interests include inter-organizational networks, organizational ecology, and quantitative methods. He has published articles in journals such as the 'Academy of Management Journal', 'Administrative Science Quarterly' and 'Strategic Management Journal'.
Jörg Raab is Assistant Professor of Policy and Organization at the Department of Organization Studies, Tilburg, The Netherlands. His research focuses on inter-organizational networks, public organizations, and dark networks as organizational problems. He has published in numerous edited volumes and in journals such as the 'Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory', 'Journal of Management Inquiry' and 'Organization Studies'.
Barak S. Aharonson is Assistant Professor at the Strategic Management Department at Recanati Graduate School of Business, Tel-Aviv University, Israel. His research focuses on inter-organizational networks, organizational ecology and patterns of technological competition and cooperation among firms and their influence on a firm's performance. He has published articles in journals such as 'Research Policy', 'Strategic Organization' and 'Industrial and Corporate Change'.