Agency Directors And Network Centrality: An Examination Of Resource Dependencies

Abstract

<p>A basic tenet of resource dependence theory is organizations must obtain resources from their environments in order to survive (Pfeffer and Salancik, 1978). Ac- cording to the theory, there are several strategic factors that affect how organizations manage inter- organizational resource exchanges. These strategic factors include (1) interlocking of board of director members, (2) joint programs or joint ventures, (3) organization size, and (4) top administrator contacts with other organizations (Pfeffer and Salancik 1978: 143-69). Organizations engage in these activities to reduce uncertainty and to develop favorable linkages in interorganizational networks</p>