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.