Organizational culture as the driver of dense intra-organizational networks

Abstract

Shared norms and values are essential for connecting individuals in social networks as well as triggering exchange of information and joint cooperation. Trust, proximity and reciprocity are also relevant to having a positive outcome within social networks as they are linked to Social Capital, competitiveness of organizations, advantages of the economies of scales and scope as well as decrease in transaction-costs. Organizational culture impacts on most aspects of organizational life, especially when it comes to people and their relationships. Even though it is widely acknowledged that culture plays an important role in social network building and the qualities of these connections, there has not been much research on it. Therefore, the question which usually arises is which type of organizational culture is most likely to have a positive influence on the intra-organizational networks and lead to a higher density of the network. Based on a literature study and a case study analysis of two Austrian organizations, the authors’ aimed at providing some clarifications on the impact of organizational culture on the density of intra-organizational networks. This paper uses the Competing Values Framework and the Social Network Analysis for that purpose.