Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2006
Abstract
The workplace is ripe for establishing and growing professionally useful social networks. Social networks evolve as organizations change and individuals come and go. But, what happens when an organization destructs? Does the collapse of the organization which gave rise to the formation of these relationships claim the social networks as collateral damage? Or, do portions of social networks persist, expand to incorporate new members, and influence post collapse outcomes? This paper provides a set of concepts for understanding the recoverability of an individual’s social capital and social network assets when an organization destructs. It seeks to determine effective practices individuals employ to recover at least a portion of their investment in social capital. The persistence and use of this social capital is considered. Appropriation of that social capital by other organizations is also examined. Drawing upon existing knowledge, a framework is proposed which begins with the individual’s social capital and social network predestruction. Relevant attributes at this stage include: social network structure, strength of ties and function of the social capital. Postdestruction the framework includes the perceived value of the social capital and the practices employed by individuals to recover and use their social capital. Finally a followon research agenda is proposed. The destruction of Arthur Andersen is the setting for this work. Phenomenological interviews with Andersen alumni will be conducted to understand the lived world of individuals who have experienced organization destruction. The data will be used to develop a grounded theory of social network destruction and social capital asset recoverability.
Keywords
infrastructure (Economics)
Rights
© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Department/Center
Design & Innovation
Recommended Citation
Sellers, R. Drew, "Social Network Destruction and Effective Practices for the Recovery of Social Capital Assets" (2006). Student Scholarship. 391.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/391