{"title":"Series: Social Network Mechanisms","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eSocial Network Mechanisms\u003c\/strong\u003e series explores the intricate ways in which people connect, communicate, and influence one another across diverse realms. Drawing from fields such as Computing \u0026amp; Technology, Arts \u0026amp; Culture, and History, these titles offer insights into the evolving dynamics that shape social interactions in both digital and real-world settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect a rich blend of perspectives ranging from analytical studies to engaging narratives, including elements of Biography \u0026amp; Memoir and Graphic Novels. Whether delving into the impact of technology on community or the cultural forces behind social movements, this collection illuminates the forces at play within our interconnected lives.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"strong-bridges-by-ronald-s-burt-9780197834251","title":"Strong Bridges","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStrong Bridges\u003c\/em\u003e is a book about a contradiction and the opportunity it offers. For decades, social network theory has drawn its maps of advantage from the idea that brokers sit astride structural holes, reaping value from weak ties that bridge disconnected worlds. But what if some of those bridges are not weak? What if the real advantage lies not just in structure, but in trust forged in interpersonal history regardless of structure?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the puzzle \u003cem\u003eStrong Bridges\u003c\/em\u003e takes up. It begins with \u003cem\u003eguanxi\u003c\/em\u003e, the colloquial Chinese term for relationship advantage, often dismissed as cultural peculiarity or corruption. But the authors treat \u003cem\u003eguanxi\u003c\/em\u003e as a strategic research site, not a cultural relic. They view it as a niche-word pointing to a broader category of human experience. Combining analytic rigour with quality network data, they pull apart the Siamese twins of tie strength and network structure, documenting the prevalence and competitive value of high-trust ties that span structural holes, i.e., strong bridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book offers two discovery stories; one empirical, one theoretical. The first tracks how \u003cem\u003eguanxi\u003c\/em\u003e bridges operate in the personal networks of Chinese entrepreneurs. The second reshapes core assumptions in network theory. Across industries, events, and even a pandemic, strong bridges emerge as resilient assets distinct from embedded ties, more predictive of cooperation, and more durable than theory currently expects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book about the anatomy of network advantage. It reframes brokerage not as a fragile position, but as a relationship earned, remembered, and surprisingly strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47934251925740,"sku":"9780197834251","price":323.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780197834251-strong-bridges.jpg?v=1783907951"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/series-social-network-mechanisms.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}