a social influence analysis of perceived organizational support

eside outside of the focal individual’s network. Weak ties are significant because they have
access to different sources of information or resources that an individual does not receive
through strong ties (Burt, 1992; Granovetter, 1973).
Accordingly, research reveals that both strong and weak ties are beneficial to individuals,
albeit in different ways. Strong ties are more likely to facilitate the sharing of more complex
information and provide timely access to resources (Granovetter, 1982). Weak ties provide
access to unique resources which may not be accessible through strong ties (Burt, 1992;
Granovetter, 1973, 1987). For instance, Granovetter (1973) demonstrated that individuals were
more likely to find new jobs through weak ties than through strong ties.
Studies have assessed the effects of both strong and weak ties. For example, Morrison
(2002) found that strong advice ties were related to task mastery and role clarity among newly-
hired accountants, but weak ties were not. Hansen (1999) found that weak ties were best for
transferring noncomplex knowledge, while strong ties were better for transferring complex
knowledge between departments in an organization. While these studies do not directly assess
the role of tie strength on social influence, the general pattern of results suggest that weak ties are
less influential and less useful in transferring information than are strong ties.
While studies reveal that it is important to consider the strength of ties, there is no
consensus as to just what is the best indicator of tie strength. Nelson argued that frequent contact
approximates all components of Granovetter’s (1973) tie strength definition (time, emotional
intensity, intimacy, and reciprocal services). He notes that ideally, all of these dimensions would
be measured, but that such a process would create too much strain on respondents completing
surveys. On the other hand, Marsden and Campbell’s (1984) study revealed that intimacy and
reciprocity were effective predictors of outcomes expected to be related to tie strength. In order
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