Network Embeddedness, Specialization Choices and Performance in Investment Banking Industry

Abstract

The idea that network structure and embeddedness affect firms’ competitive behaviour and performance is not new both in network literature and in strategic management literature. This study recognizes that the possibility to fully exploit network opportunities is depending on firm specialization choices. By analyzing network embeddedness within the European investment banking industry, I find that banks enhance performance by having a central position in their network and that specialization reduces bank’s benefits of having a central position in the network.

Keywords: Investment Banking, IPOs, Underwriting Syndicates, Social Network Analysis

JEL Classification: G24, M10