Entrepreneurs' Network Bricolage: Reconfiguring Social Ties for Resource Creation

Journal of Business Research (forthcoming)

39 Pages Posted: 31 Dec 2024

See all articles by Frances Chang

Frances Chang

Macquarie University

Cynthia M. Webster

Macquarie University

Muhammad Aftab Alam

Independent

Francesco Chirico

Jonkoping University - Jonkoping International Business School (JIBS); Macquarie University, Macquarie Business School

Date Written: November 29, 2024

Abstract

The entrepreneurship literature demonstrates the positive impact of network bricolage on resource-seeking. We extend this work by examining why and how entrepreneurs reconfigure ties within the social architecture of their networks. Building on the network bricolage literature and an in-depth analysis of 55 dyadic relationships embedded in four networks, we provide evidence of network bricolage behavior indicating that entrepreneur bricoleurs are, in fact, resource-creators as well as resource-seekers. Our data cover a series of preliminary and in-depth interviews, member checks, site visits, direct observations, and archival sources. We find support for our theoretical arguments that more resources and redeployment opportunities for developing new products, new markets, and operation efficiencies emerge during bricolage processes when bricoleurs use their networks in ways that differ from their originally intended utility. While the strength of network ties is important in its own right, our findings further suggest that heterogeneity of relationship type is a key factor in pursuing network bricolage. A mix of relationship roles provides opportunities to repurpose network resources to achieve new valued outcomes.

Keywords: network bricolage, resource creation, entrepreneurs, social network analysis

Suggested Citation

Chang, Frances and Webster, Cynthia M. and Alam, Muhammad Aftab and Chirico, Francesco and Chirico, Francesco, Entrepreneurs' Network Bricolage: Reconfiguring Social Ties for Resource Creation (November 29, 2024). Journal of Business Research (forthcoming), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5039288 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5039288

Frances Chang

Macquarie University ( email )

North Ryde
Sydney, New South Wales 2109
Australia

Cynthia M. Webster

Macquarie University

North Ryde
Sydney, New South Wales 2109
Australia

Muhammad Aftab Alam

Independent ( email )

Francesco Chirico (Contact Author)

Jonkoping University - Jonkoping International Business School (JIBS) ( email )

Jönköping, 55111
Sweden

Macquarie University, Macquarie Business School ( email )

New South Wales 2109
Australia

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