In addition to the empirical problem of disentangling tie
strength and cohesion, there is also a conceptual problem
related to using tie strength as a surrogate for network structure.
The research strategy has stymied theoretical developments
in the area of networks and knowledge transfer (see
Argote, McEvily, and Reagans, 2003, for a review). Research
adopting tie strength as an indicator of network structure primarily
focuses on how the social dynamics within two-way
interactions( e.g., reciprocityc, ommitment) influence knowledge
transfer. The social dynamics stemming from dyadic
relationships, however, are not necessarily the same as those
generated by a pattern of ties among a larger set of individuals.
The problem applies equally well to research that indirectly
infers network effects on knowledge transfer by examining
the association between network structure and
organizationapl erformance.S ince research examiningt he
network effect on organizationapl erformanced oes not
explicitly model the association between network variables
and knowledge transfer, it does not provide a theoretical
explanation for how and why network structure might affect
knowledge transfer. Consequently, research has yet to clearly
articulate the causal mechanisms that can account for how
and why different patterns of ties surroundinga knowledge
transfer dyad might influence the flow of knowledge within
that dyad. Therefore, a key theoretical question is, What are
the network mechanisms that influence the transfer of
knowledge?