2.1 Simmelian ties and high performance work practice system
Simmelian ties are concrete extensions of Georg Simmel’s sociological
theory in modern organization network theory. Simmel believed that the
tie between two individuals cannot constitute social analysis unit, and
the complete social analysis unit must include three or more
individuals. When participants present interactive ties and associate
with the third parties,the ties are simmelian ties(Krackhardt, 1998).The differences
among simmelian ties and isolated two individuals ties are that the
former can significantly inhibit individual interests, weaken individual
bargaining power, promote cooperation, solve conflicts, and so
on(Krackhardt, Martin, 2002). Simmelian ties can be divided into strong
or weak according to their characteristics. Typical simmelian ties are
shown in Figure 1.