Research on Structural Holes: An Assessment on Measurement Issues

Abstract

Social capital theory generally analyses network structures by focusing on the connections between players. However, it has been suggested by several authors that the absence of relations in a network or ‘structural holes’ is meaningful. The aim of our paper is to provide a global survey and appraisal of the academic research on structural holes and discuss its main measurements. We adopt a bibliometric approach and identify a typology of practices, developments, and issues related to structural holes. We highlight a strand of work on operationalization of structural holes, and discuss the various measures they propose. We provide numerical examples emphasizing the respective advantages and limitations of the studied measures. Based on our results, we propose a guide to using existing measures of structural holes according to the type (simple or complex) of network.

New challenges in European innovation partnerships. SOEs, POEs and foreign MNEs during crises

“…A third player may obtain intermediation bene ts by linking those unconnected groups, and the arrangement may create new opportunities since complex networks may generate a greater variety of ideas and resources. Therefore, extended networks might display both direct ties and indirect ties between players through an intermediary (Saglietto et al, 2020). The obtaining of a subsidy may signal the receiver as a valuable potential partner and, consequently, may also mitigate uncertainty and facilitate collaboration (Bianchi et al, 2019).…”

“…Structural holes may also create opportunities for actors who are able to bridge such holes. These are gaps between unconnected groups of economic players (Saglietto et al, 2020). A third player may obtain intermediation bene ts by linking those unconnected groups, and the arrangement may create new opportunities since complex networks may generate a greater variety of ideas and resources.…”

“…International cooperation necessitates substantial search expenditures; which una liated rms may struggle to afford, especially during a downturn. On the other hand, our una liated rms may be part of extensive networks and may establish indirect connections with European partners (Saglietto et al, 2020). In the context of Spain, una liated rms are able to engage in local cooperation for innovation, particularly during periods of economic prosperity (García-Sánchez & Rama, 2022).…”

EasyGraph: A multifunctional, cross-platform, and effective library for interdisciplinary network analysis

“…The individuals occupying such positions, called SH spanners, act as brokers among communities, thereby facilitating the flow of information and communication among different groups. SH spanner analysis, an important concept frequently used in network science 52 , 63 , 64 , 65 and innovation studies, 66 , 67 refers to the identification of individuals or entities within a network that serve as bridges between separate groups or communities within the network. SH spanners occupy unique positions that span the gaps between otherwise disconnected groups, so the analysis of SH spanners and their connected communities can provide insights into how information, resources, and influence flow through a network.…”

“…Saglietto et al. 64 reviewed the literature on SHs utilizing a bibliometric methodology. According to Yang et al., 65 the shift to firm-wide remote work made it more difficult for workers who serve as SH spanners to benefit from new network connections.…”