Analysing Informal Work Practices and Social Networks in the Workplace

Abome Sharp Lghomrore

doi:10.59890/ijasr.v3i4.5

Authors

Abome Sharp Lghomrore Federal Polythenic Orogun

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/ijasr.v3i4.5

Keywords:

Informal, Organisation, Social Network, Work Practices, Work Place

Abstract

This study investigates how social networks influence informal work practices in the workplace. Employee communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing are greatly impacted by informal networks, which are made up of connections that do not fall under official organisational structures. This study uses the framework of social network theory to investigate how strong and weak relationships support information sharing, creativity, and problem-solving within an organisation. The impact of technology and remote work on social networks and informal practices, as well as the role of social networks in the workplace, are all highlighted in the study. The study also highlights possible issues that may occur in informal networks, like exclusion and information silos. To improve collaboration and innovation, organisations are advised to balance formal and informal practices, leverage informal leaders, and cultivate inclusive networks. In the end, social networks can be used to comprehend and maximise informal work practices, which can enhance employee engagement and organisational performance

References

Apaydin, M., Thornberry, J., & Sidani, Y. M. (2020). Informal social networks as intermediaries in foreign markets. Management and Organization Review, 16(3), 629–656

Bian, Y., Hao, M., & Li, Y. (2018). Social networks and subjective well-being: A comparison of Australia, Britain, and China. Journal of Happiness Studies, 19(8), 2489–2508.

Borgatti, S. P., & Foster, P. C. (2003). The network paradigm in organizational research: A review and typology. Journal of Management, 29(6), 991-1013.

Boschma, R. A. (2005). Proximity and innovation: A critical assessment. Regional Studies, 39(1), 61-74. https://doi.org/10.1080/0034340052000320887

Burt, R. S. (1992). Structural holes: The social structure of competition. Harvard University Press.

Burt, R. S. (2004). Structural holes and good ideas. American Journal of Sociology, 110(2), 349-399. https://doi.org/10.1086/421787

Cascio, W. F., & Shurygailo, S. (2003). E-Leadership and virtual teams. Organizational Dynamics, 31(4), 362-376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2002.10.008

Coleman, J. S. (1988). Social capital in the creation of human capital. American Journal of Sociology, 94, S95-S120. https://doi.org/10.1086/228943

Cross, R., & Prusak, L. (2002). The people who make organizations go—or stop. Harvard Business Review, 80(6), 104-112.

Cross, R., Parker, A., & Prusak, L. (2001). Making invisible work visible: Using social network analysis to support strategic collaboration. California Management Review, 44(2), 25-46.

Cuypers, I. R. P., Ertug, G., Cantwell, J., Zaheer, A., & Kilduff, M. (2020). Making connections: Social networks in international business. Journal of International Business Studies, 51(5), 714–736.

DeSanctis, G., & Poole, M. S. (1994). Capturing the complexity in advanced technology use: Adaptive structuration theory. Organization Science, 5(2), 121-147. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.5.2.121

Doh, J., Rodrigues, S., Saka-Helmhout, A., & Makhija, M. (2017). International business responses to institutional voids. Journal of International Business Studies, 48(3), 293–307.

Eberhard, M., & Craig, J. (2013). The evolving role of organizational and personal networks in international market venturing. Journal of World Business, 48(3), 385–397.

Fulk, J., & DeSanctis, G. (1995). Electronic communication and changing organizational forms. Organization Science, 6(4), 557-559. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.6.4.557

Georgiadou, A., & Syed, J. (2021). The interaction between gender and informal social networks: An East Asian perspective: Gender diversity management in East Asia. Human Resource Management Journal, 31(4), 995–1009

Gimenez-Jimenez, D., Calabrò, A., & Urbano, D. (2020). The neglected role of formal and informal institutions in women’s entrepreneurship: A multi-level analysis. Journal of International Entrepreneurship, 18(2), 196–226.

Granovetter, M. (1973). The strength of weak ties. American Journal of Sociology, 78(6), 1360-1380. https://doi.org/10.1086/225469

Helmke, G., & Levitsky, S. (2004). Informal institutions and comparative politics: A research agenda. Perspectives on Politics, 2(4), 725–740.

Hislop, D. (2003). Knowledge management in organizations: A critical introduction. Oxford University Press.

Horak, S. (2014). Antecedents and characteristics of informal relation-based networks in Korea: Yongo, yonjul and inmaek. Asia Pacific Business Review, 20(1), 78–108.

Horak, S., & Yang, I. (2019). Whither seniority? Career progression and performance orientation in South Korea. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 30(9), 1419–1447.

Horak, S., Afiouni, F., Bian, Y., Ledeneva, A., Muratbekova-Touron, M., & Fey, C. F. (2020). Informal networks: Dark sides, bright sides, and unexplored dimensions. Management and Organization Review, 16(3), 511–542.

Ibarra, H. (1992). Homophily and differential returns: Sex differences in network structure and access in an advertising firm. Administrative Science Quarterly, 37(3), 422-447. https://doi.org/10.2307/2393453

Krackhardt, D., & Hanson, J. R. (1993). Informal networks: The company behind the chart. Harvard Business Review, 71(4), 104-111.

Kraut, R. E., Galegher, J., & Egido, C. (1990). Technology and teamwork: Perspectives on collaborative work. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Lee, J., Paik, Y., Horak, S., & Yang, I. (2022). Turning a liability into an asset of foreignness: Managing informal networks in Korea. Business Horizons, 65(3), 351–364.

Minbaeva, D., Ledeneva, A., Muratbekova-Touron, M., & Horak, S. (2022). Explaining the persistence of informal institutions: The role of informal networks. Academy of Management Review. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2020.0224

Mintzberg, H. (1979). The structuring of organizations. Prentice-Hall.

Mintzberg, H. (1979). The structuring of organizations: A synthesis of the research. Prentice Hall.

Nadeem, S., & Kayani, N. (2019). Sifarish: Understanding the ethical versus unethical use of network-based hiring in Pakistan. Journal of Business Ethics, 158(4), 969–982.

Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi, H. (1995). The knowledge-creating company: How Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation. Oxford University Press.

North, D. C. (1990). Institutions, institutional change and economic performance. Cambridge University Press.

Orlikowski, W. J. (1996). Improvising organizational transformation over time: A situated change perspective. Information Systems Research, 7(1), 63-92. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.7.1.63

Perry-Smith, J. E., & Shalley, C. E. (2003). The social side of creativity: A static and dynamic social network perspective. Academy of Management Review, 28(1), 89-106. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2003.8925239

Puffer, S. M., McCarthy, D. J., & Boisot, M. (2010). Entrepreneurship in Russia and China: The impact of formal institutional voids. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 34(3), 441–467.

Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.

Sauerwald, S., & Peng, M. W. (2013). Informal institutions, shareholder coalitions, and principal–principal conflicts. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 30(3), 853–870.

Seibert, S. E., Kraimer, M. L., & Liden, R. C. (2001). A social capital theory of career success. Academy of Management Journal, 44(2), 219-237. https://doi.org/10.2307/3069452

Starbuck, W. H. (1992). Learning by knowledge-intensive firms. Journal of Management Studies, 29(6), 713-740.

Uzzi, B. (1997). Social structure and competition in interfirm networks: The paradox of embeddedness. Administrative Science Quarterly, 42(1), 35-67. https://doi.org/10.2307/2393808

Vartiainen, M., et al. (2019). Informal communication and collaboration in virtual work environments: A review and research agenda. International Journal of Information Management, 47, 23-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2018.12.003

Wegmann, P., Schiemann, F., & Giesler, M. (2015). The role of informal networks in organizations. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(3), 411-431.

Williamson, O. E. (2000). The new institutional economics: Taking stock, looking ahead. Journal of Economic Literature, 38(3), 595–613.

Yao, F. K., Jiang, K., Combs, D. R., & Chang, S. (2020). Informal institutions and absorptive capacity: A cross-country meta-analytic study. Journal of International Business Studies. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-020-00361-7