Solidarity Through Networks: The Effects of Task and Informal Interdependence on Cooperation within Teams

Employee Relations, Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 117-137, 2007

44 Pages Posted: 23 Jul 2009

See all articles by Ferry Koster

Ferry Koster

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Faculty of Social Sciences

Frans N. Stokman

University of Groningen - Department of Social and Organizational Psychology

Randy Hodson

Ohio State University (OSU) - Department of Sociology

Karin Sanders

UNSW Australia Business School, School of Management

Date Written: February 21, 2007

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of task and informal networks and their interaction on cooperative types of employee behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach – Two studies are used to examine the research question. The first dataset consists of book-length ethnographies providing information at the team level. The second dataset is gathered through a survey across ten different organisations and provides information at the employee level. Both datasets are analysed using OLS regression.

Findings – Cooperative behaviour is positively affected by task and informal interdependence relationships. However, when employees have task and informal interdependence relationships with co-workers, they may show less cooperative behaviour.

Research limitations/implications – A major limitation of this study is that it was not possible to include information about the structure of the networks in which the employees are embedded. The study provides evidence for the existence of exchange relationships between the employee and the team. Besides that, the study shows the importance of including formal and informal networks to study cooperative behaviour of employees.

Practical implications – The findings provide practical information about how to manage cooperation within teams. Cooperative relationships can be created by either creating task or informal interdependence. Besides that, managers should strike a balance between task and informal interdependence.

Originality/value – Existing research tends to focus on the effects of one type of network on behaviour. This research shows that different networks may affect employee behaviour at the same time.

Keywords: Competences, Employee behaviour, Responsibilities, Team working

Suggested Citation

Koster, Ferry and Stokman, Frans N. and Hodson, Randy and Sanders, Karin, Solidarity Through Networks: The Effects of Task and Informal Interdependence on Cooperation within Teams (February 21, 2007). Employee Relations, Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 117-137, 2007 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1436923

Ferry Koster (Contact Author)

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Faculty of Social Sciences ( email )

3000 DR Rotterdam
Netherlands

HOME PAGE: http://www.ferrykoster.nl

Frans N. Stokman

University of Groningen - Department of Social and Organizational Psychology ( email )

Grote Kruisstraat 2/1
9700 AH Groningen
Netherlands
+31.50.3636259 (Phone)
+31.50.3636226 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.oprit.rug.nl/stokman/

Randy Hodson

Ohio State University (OSU) - Department of Sociology ( email )

Columbus, OH 43210-1172
United States
+1 614 292 8951 (Phone)

Karin Sanders

UNSW Australia Business School, School of Management ( email )

Gate 11, Botany Street, Randwick
Sydney, NSW 2052
Australia

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