Skip to main content
Frontiers of Business Research in China
Download PDF

Extending network analysis with social inclusions: A Chinese entrepreneur building social capital

Frontiers of Business Research in China volume 5, pages 121–143 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Social network analysis is a highly useful tool to study the way individuals form alliances to cope with their daily tasks on the micro-level. We can map the interaction between the key persons involved into a graph, representing the social network. The result is then a snapshot of who interacts with whom and why/how at the time the data were collected. However, when trying to apply it to a higher level, real life problems, this method of analysis seems to deviate from the way people form networks of relationships in social practice. In social practice, human actors tend to form relationships on the basis of institutional affiliation and inclusion in social groups. This paper intends to use Social Integration (SI) developed at Erasmus University Rotterdam on the basis of Karl Weick’s organization theory to enrich current social network theory with a module that links networks on the basis of multiple inclusions of actors in several social-cognitive groups (networks). The expanded model is tested on a Chinese business case.

References

  1. Batjargal, B., & Liu, M. 2004. Entrepreneurs’ access to private equity in China: The role of social capital. Organization Science, 15(2): 159–172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Boje, D. 2001. Narrative methods for organizational and communication research. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bourdieu, P. 1986. Distinction—A social critique of the judgement of taste. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Brass, D. J., & Burkhardt, M. E. 1992. Centrality and power in organizations. In N. Nohria, & R. G. Eccles (Eds.), Networks and organizations: 191–215. Cambridge: Harvard Business School Press.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Burt, R. 1992. Structural holes: The social structure of competition. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Carlock, R., & Florent-Treacy, E. 2003. The HP-Compaq merger: A battle for the heart and soul of a company. International Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 1(3): 419–454.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Chen, G., Li, J., & Matlay, H. 2006. Who are the Chinese private entrepreneurs? A study of entrepreneurial attributes and business governance. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 13(2): 148–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Czarniawska, B. 1998. A narrative approach to organisation studies. Thousands Oaks: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Daft, R. L. 2007. Understanding the theory and design of organizations. Mason: Thomson

    Google Scholar 

  10. Dunbar, R. L. M., & Garud, R. 2009. Distributed knowledge and indeterminate meaning: The case of the Columbia Shuttle Flight. Organization Studies, 30(4): 397–421.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Dutton, M. 1998. Streetlife China. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Forrester, P. L., & Porter, R. S. 1999. The politics of management in People’s Republic of China: From CMRS to modern enterprise and beyond. In M. Warner (Ed.), China’s managerial revolution: 47–72. London: Frank Cass.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Gergen, K. J. 1992. Organization theory in the postmodern era. In M. Reed & M. Hughes (Eds.), Rethinking organization—New directions in organization theory and analysis: 207–226. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Halpern, D. 2005. Social capital. Cambridge: Polity Press.

  15. Haslam, S. A. 2001. Psychology in organizations—The social identity approach. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Hofstede, G. 1980. Culture’s consequences. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Kapferer, B. 1972. Strategy and transaction in an African factory. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Kilduff, M., & Tsai, W. 2003. Social networks and organizations. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Kipnis, A. B. 1997. Producing guanxi—Sentiment, self and subculture in a North Chinese village. Durham: Duke University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Krackhardt, D. 1992. The strength of strong ties: The importance of philos in organizations. In N. Nohria & R. Eccles (Eds.), Networks and organizations: structure, form, and action: 216–239. Boston MA: Harvard Business School Press.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Liao, D., & Sohmen, P. 2001. The development of modern entrepreneurship in China. Stanford Journal of East Asian Affairs, 1: 27–33.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Lin, N. 2001. Social capital: A theory of social structure and action. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Mo, P. H. 2007. The nature of Chinese collective values: formation and evolution. International Journal of Chinese Culture and Management, 1(1): 108–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Parris, K. 1999. The rise of private business interests. In M. Goldman, & R. Macfarquhar (Eds.), The paradox of China’s post-Mao reforms: 262–282. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Parto, S. 2003. Economic activity and institutions—Taking stock. Working paper, Maastricht University.

  26. Peverelli, P. J. 2000. Cognitive space—A social cognitive approach to Sino-Western cooperation. Delft: Eburon.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Peverelli, P. J. 2006a. Chinese corporate identity. Abingdon: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Peverelli, P. J. 2006b. Negotiating space. In K. B. Chan, & L. Douw (Eds.), Conflict and innovation: Joint ventures in China: 72–94. Leiden: Brill.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Provis, C. 2008. Guanxi and conflicts of interest. Journal of Business Ethics, 79: 57–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Sott, J. 2000. Social network analysis. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Scott, W. R. 2001. Institutions and organizations (2nd ed.). London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Steinfeld, E. D. 1998. Forging reform in China—The fate of state-owned industry. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  33. Tang, J., & Ward, A. 2003. The changing face of Chinese management. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Termeer, C., & Koppenjan, J. F. M. 1999. Managing perceptions in networks. In W. J. M. Kickert, E. H. Klijn, & J. F. M. Koppenjan (Eds.), Managing complex networks—Strategies for the public sector: 79–97. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Tian, Z., Gao, H., & Cone, M. 2008. A study of the ethical issues of private entrepreneurs participating in politics in China. Journal of Business Ethics, 80: 627–642.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Trompenaars, F. 1992. Riding the waves of culture. London: Nicholas Brealy.

    Google Scholar 

  37. van Twist, M., & Termeer, C. 1991. Introduction to configuration approach: A process theory for societal steering. In R. in’ t Veld, L. Schaap, C. Termeer, & M. van Twist (Eds.), Autopoiesis and configuration theory: New approach to societal steering: 19–29. Dordrecht: Kluwer.

    Google Scholar 

  38. van Dongen, H. J., de Laat, W. A. M., & Maas, A. J. J. A. 1996. Een kwestie van verschil (A Matter of Difference). Delft: Eburon.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Weick, K. E. 1979. The social psychology of organizing. New York: McGraw Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Weick, K. E. 1995. Sensemaking in organizations. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Whitley, R. 1999. Divergent capitalisms—The social structuring and change of business systems. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Yan, Y. 1996. The flow of gifts—Reciprocity and social networks in a Chinese village. Stanford: Stanford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Yang, K. 2007. Entrepreneurship in China. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Yin, R. K. 2004. The case study anthology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Yvonne, L., & Guba, E. G. 1985. Naturalistic inquiry. Beverly Hills: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Zhou, Y. 周翼虎, & Yang, X. 杨晓民. 2000. 中国单位制度 (China’s unit system). 北京: 中国经济出版社 (Beijing: China Economy Press).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Economics & Business Administration, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Peter J. Peverelli

  2. School of Business, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China

    Lynda Jiwen Song

  3. Credit Card Center, China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd., Beijing, 100070, China

    Zhiqiang Sun

  4. China Coal Import & Export Company, Beijing, 100011, China

    Jianfeng Yu

Authors
  1. Peter J. Peverelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lynda Jiwen Song
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zhiqiang Sun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jianfeng Yu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lynda Jiwen Song.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Peverelli, P.J., Song, L.J., Sun, Z. et al. Extending network analysis with social inclusions: A Chinese entrepreneur building social capital. Front. Bus. Res. China 5, 121–143 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11782-011-0124-5

Download citation

Keywords

  • social network analysis
  • social integration theory
  • social capital
  • Chinese entrepreneurs