A Tale of Networks and Networking: Integrating Structural and Behavioral Perspectives on Social Action

Abstract

Research on social networks and networking has generated critical insights for theories and practices about social action in the work context. These insights mostly derive from two theoretical perspectives: one focuses on the network structures that influence individual actions and outcomes; and the other examines the behaviors that people manifest when they interact with others at work. Through theoretical comparison and development, the goal of this conceptual article is to define, compare and identify areas for integration of structural and behavioral perspectives on social action. To guide future work, we augment the behavioral focus of networking scholarship with a structural emphasis and vice versa.