Collaborative Research on Small Business Network Creation and Outcomes for Change and Innovation

本研究运用制度理论和社会资本理论的框架对小企业网络进行研究，以解释形式网络形成和战略网络行为。我们的目标是研究在这些新兴的商业网络中：1)网络作为一个机构是如何形成和发展社会资本的组成部分的；2)为什么以及如何在成员之间发展和维持合作关系；3)有哪些类型和数量的资源沿着这些纽带流动；4)这些联系如何影响创新的采用和组织变革。这种跨学科的研究方法通过研究独立企业主网络之间的合作关系如何开始和发展，并将实证研究领域扩展到文献中很少关注的群体-农村，西班牙裔和妇女拥有的企业-提供了当前经济，社会和战略管理理论的延伸。具有小型企业管理和战略网络研究历史的项目调查员将与网络协调员合作，对四个新网络进行分析。数据收集方法将包括对在网络内发起集体行动的小企业主进行访谈，观察和衡量在正式网络会议和非正式成员接触中发生的互动，以及审查档案文件。在网络组织和成员公司内部，将测量偶发的、不连续的和有意的变化。创新的措施将包括引进产品、流程和服务。这项调查的时机特别好，因为网络是一种突出的、但新兴的组织形式，对内部结构和实际网络的早期发展几乎没有现有的衡量。更广泛的影响：小企业网络研究的新颖和理论上有趣之处在于，它提供了关于传统上不合作的公司之间合作如何发展和持续的见解。网络，而不是兼并和收购，据说是一个更有利可图的方式来结合公司的优势，合作，促进研究和新产品的开发。将小企业联系起来可能会提供鼓励变革和发起创新的机会。该项目的研究结果将有助于决策者制定促进小企业创建、保留和扩张的计划。这些联盟将为小企业传播基于研究的信息提供便利。此外，这项研究将有助于研究生和本科生的大学课程，农村和社区发展，社会变革，和小企业管理在U内布拉斯加-林肯和爱荷华州立大学。

This research studies small business networks using the frameworks of both institutional theory and social capital theory to explain formal network formation and strategic network behavior. The objectives are to examine in these emerging business networks: 1) how the network as an institution formalizes and develops components of social capital, 2) why and how cooperative ties develop and endure among members; 3) what type and quantity of resources flow along the ties; and 4) how these ties impact adoption of innovation and organizational change. This interdisciplinary research approach offers an extension of current economic, social, and strategic management theories by examining how cooperative relationships begin and develop among networks of independent business owners, and by expanding the domain of empirical research to groups that have received little attention in the literature - rural, Hispanic, and women-owned businesses.The project investigators, with a research history in small business management and strategic networking, will partner with network coordinators to conduct analyses of four new networks. Data collection methods will include interviews with small business owners as they initiate collective actions within the network, observation and measurement of interactions taking place in formal network meetings and informal member contact, and examination of archival documents. Change that is episodic, discontinuous, and intentional will be measured within the network organization and within the member firms. Measures of innovation will include the introduction of products, processes, and services. This investigation is particularly well-timed in that networking is a prominent, but newly emerging, organizational form with little existing measurement of the internal structuring and early development of actual networks.Broader Impacts: What is novel and theoretically interesting about the study of small business networking is that it offers insight as to how cooperation can grow and persist among traditionally non-cooperating firms. Networks, rather than mergers and acquisitions, are said to be a more lucrative way to combine firm strengths in collaborations that facilitate research and new product development. Linking small businesses may provide opportunities encouraging change and initiating innovation. Findings from this project will assist policymakers in their programs to promote small business creation, retention, and expansion. The alliances will facilitate dissemination of research-based information for small businesses. Also, the research will contribute to graduate and undergraduate college courses in rural and community development, social change, and small business management at U Nebraska-Lincoln and Iowa State.