An entrepreneurial network evolving: Patterns of change

It is now recognized that to broaden our understanding about networks more qualitative and longitudinal work is required that examines transformation and the change processes of networks; how they emerge and develop over time. The case study reported here deals with these issues. It considers the de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International small business journal 2010-08, Vol.28 (4), p.315-337
Main Authors: Jack, Sarah, Moult, Susan, Anderson, Alistair R, Dodd, Sarah
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Business networks
Case studies
Computer networks
Economic change
Economic networks
Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship
Networks
Participant observation
Qualitative research
Scotland
Social networks
Transformation
United Kingdom
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Summary:It is now recognized that to broaden our understanding about networks more qualitative and longitudinal work is required that examines transformation and the change processes of networks; how they emerge and develop over time. The case study reported here deals with these issues. It considers the development of a network for new entrepreneurs first established by a local enterprise support agency in North East Scotland.This forum provided a near ‘natural experiment’ to chart network emergence, change and evolution. Employing participant observation, interviews and surveys, data were collected over a six-year period. This allowed the network to be mapped, and provided information about structural characteristics and in-depth detail about network dynamics and change processes over time. Findings show how network structure shifts from calculative to affective ties and demonstrate the importance of social ties for the operation of a network.
ISSN:0266-2426
1741-2870
DOI:10.1177/0266242610363525