Embeddedness, Power and Influence

In the last class, we discussed closed and open networks at the individual level. Today's class is a continuation of the last class, with a focus on power and influence. Power refers to the ability to get things done -- particularly with the help or acquiescence of others. Influence refers to how our beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and decisions are affected by the qualities of our alters -- the people in our personal network. As part of this, we also consider groups, which often have norms that members had difficulty going against.

Readings

• • Managing Xerox's Multinational Development Center (HBS case in your packet of readings). The story of John Clendenin at Xerox.

Slides

• Embeddedness.pdf

• Power and influence.pdf

Recommended

• • Jones, C., Hesterly, W. S., & Borgatti, S. P. 1997. A general theory of network governance: Exchange conditions and social mechanisms. Academy of Management Review, 22(4): 911‑945. [pdf]