From detective work to love affairs : case study on the development of organizational social network relations in the Finnish Institute in London

Abstract

Networking is an essential part of organizations' operations, also in the cultural field. The aim of the study is to examine why and how organizational network relations are developed in an arts organization and to explore the individual influence on organizational network relations. These questions are investigated through a case study on the Finnish Institute in London. The Institute has purposefully developed its organizational networks in recent years. Interviews with current and previous employees of the Institute provide the data of this thesis.

In theoretical framework, concepts of interdependence, embeddedness, and more recent studies of individual influence in network relations are presented. The analysis of the study discusses central topics: motives for network formation, evolution of network relations and individual influence on organizational networks.

The findings of the research provide useful insight into organizational network relations developed by an internationally operating arts organization. Corresponding with the theoretical framework, this research demonstrates that organizations create network relations in order to gain knowledge, reputation and to access financial resources. This study shows that in the art field desire for developing quality projects and fierce competition are additional motives for network creation. As existing studies suggest, this thesis illustrates that network relations are embedded in already existing social ties. Network relations evolve based on previous connections between organizations and individuals. Individuals are found to influence organizational networks. First, individual competencies affect organizational network relations. Second, organizational network relations are found to be strongly linked to individual employees.