Network Closure or Structural Hole? The Conditioning Effects of Network–Level Social Capital on Innovation Performance

Justin Tan, Hongjuan Zhang, Liang Wang · 2014 · Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice

Summary. This study examines how network-level social capital affects firm innovation performance. Using simulation data, the researchers found that network density moderates the impact of firm-level social capital measures on innovation. In sparse networks, both direct connections and bridging positions enhance innovation. In dense networks, direct connections become less valuable and bridging positions actually harm innovation performance.

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Tan, J., Zhang, H., & Wang, L.. (2014). Network Closure or Structural Hole? The Conditioning Effects of Network–Level Social Capital on Innovation Performance. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/etap.12102

@article{tan-2014-network-closure-structural-hole-conditioning,
  title   = {Network Closure or Structural Hole? The Conditioning Effects of Network–Level Social Capital on Innovation Performance},
  author  = {Justin Tan and Hongjuan Zhang and Liang Wang},
  journal = {Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice},
  year    = {2014},
  doi     = {10.1111/etap.12102},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1111/etap.12102}
}

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TI  - Network Closure or Structural Hole? The Conditioning Effects of Network–Level Social Capital on Innovation Performance
AU  - Justin Tan
AU  - Hongjuan Zhang
AU  - Liang Wang
JO  - Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice
PY  - 2014
DO  - 10.1111/etap.12102
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Details

DOI: 10.1111/etap.12102
Countries: Canada, China, United States
Regions: North America, Asia
Categories: innovation-networks, innovation-theory, general-innovation
Added: 2026-04-28