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When guanxi meets structural holes: Exploring the guanxi networks of Chinese entrepreneurs on digital platforms.

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Title: When guanxi meets structural holes: Exploring the guanxi networks of Chinese entrepreneurs on digital platforms.
Authors: Liu, Jiayuan1 phd12jl@mail.wbs.ac.uk, Nandhakumar, Joe1 Joe.Nandhakumar@wbs.ac.uk, Zachariadis, Markos1 Markos.Zachariadis@wbs.ac.uk
Source: Journal of Strategic Information Systems. Dec2018, Vol. 27 Issue 4, p311-334. 24p.
Subjects: Guanxi, Entrepreneurship, Businesspeople, Social media, Business networks, New business enterprises, Business expansion
Abstract: Highlights • We extend the current understanding of knowledge orchestration of digital entrepreneurs. • We identify the moderating effect of guanxi on structural holes. • We highlight the role of guanxi in creating a buffer zone for Chinese entrepreneurs. Abstract In this exploratory study, we investigate how Chinese entrepreneurs on digital platforms interact and leverage guanxi (a system of relationships and social network) to buffer the negative impacts of structural holes on knowledge orchestration. We develop our research model and formulate ten hypotheses by drawing on the literature. We adopt a mixed-methods research approach in which we use quantitative surveys to test the hypotheses, and qualitative interviews to explain why certain relationships are stronger in one stage of entrepreneurial development than the other. The study contributes to the literature on digital entrepreneurship in two ways. First, this study offers an initial understanding of the dynamics of guanxi networks for knowledge mobilisation and knowledge coordination across start-up and growth stages of Chinese entrepreneurs on digital platforms. Second, by drawing on the relevant literature, our findings extend the current understanding of knowledge orchestration of digital entrepreneurs and contribute to the literatures of structural holes theory and guanxi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Highlights • We extend the current understanding of knowledge orchestration of digital entrepreneurs. • We identify the moderating effect of guanxi on structural holes. • We highlight the role of guanxi in creating a buffer zone for Chinese entrepreneurs. Abstract In this exploratory study, we investigate how Chinese entrepreneurs on digital platforms interact and leverage guanxi (a system of relationships and social network) to buffer the negative impacts of structural holes on knowledge orchestration. We develop our research model and formulate ten hypotheses by drawing on the literature. We adopt a mixed-methods research approach in which we use quantitative surveys to test the hypotheses, and qualitative interviews to explain why certain relationships are stronger in one stage of entrepreneurial development than the other. The study contributes to the literature on digital entrepreneurship in two ways. First, this study offers an initial understanding of the dynamics of guanxi networks for knowledge mobilisation and knowledge coordination across start-up and growth stages of Chinese entrepreneurs on digital platforms. Second, by drawing on the relevant literature, our findings extend the current understanding of knowledge orchestration of digital entrepreneurs and contribute to the literatures of structural holes theory and guanxi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:09638687
DOI:10.1016/j.jsis.2018.10.003