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

本研究以制度理论与社会资本理论为框架，探讨小企业网络的形成与策略性网络行为。我们的目标是研究这些新兴的商业网络：1）网络作为一个机构如何形成和发展社会资本的组成部分，2）为什么以及如何合作关系的发展和成员之间的持久性; 3）什么类型和数量的资源沿着关系流动;以及4）这些关系如何影响创新和组织变革的采用。这种跨学科的研究方法提供了当前经济，社会和战略管理理论的延伸，通过研究如何合作关系开始和独立企业主网络之间的发展，并通过扩大实证研究的领域，以在文献中很少受到关注的群体-农村，西班牙裔和妇女拥有的企业。在小企业管理和战略网络方面有研究历史的该中心将与网络协调员合作，对四个新的网络进行分析。数据收集方法将包括在小企业主在网络内发起集体行动时与他们进行访谈，观察和衡量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。偶发的、不连续的和有意的变化将在网络组织内部和成员公司内部进行测量。创新措施将包括产品、流程和服务的引进。这项调查是特别适时的网络是一个突出的，但新出现的，组织形式与现有的内部结构和早期发展的实际networks.Broader的影响：什么是新颖的和理论上有趣的小企业网络的研究是，它提供了洞察力如何合作可以增长和坚持传统的非合作企业之间。网络，而不是合并和收购，据说是一个更有利可图的方式，联合收割机结合企业的优势，在合作，促进研究和新产品的开发。将小企业联系起来可以提供鼓励变革和发起创新的机会。该项目的调查结果将有助于政策制定者制定促进小企业创建、保留和扩张的计划。这些联盟将促进为小企业传播基于研究的信息。此外，这项研究将有助于研究生和本科生在农村和社区发展，社会变革和小企业管理在U内布拉斯加州林肯和爱荷华州大学课程。

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.