According to structural hole theory, what is the best ...

[rachel9]

According to structural hole theory, what is the best configuration of your network to ensure maximum power for yourself?
 
  A) You are at the center of a very decentralized network
  B) Your connections are also connected to each other to ensure the free flow of information
  C) You build connections with people who share the same information base as yourself
  D) Your connections are not connected to each other, so that you bridge gaps between people

Question 2

If you would like to expand your power base horizontally, what could you do?
 
  A) Have lunch with co-workers in your department every day
  B) Have lunch with workers from other departments
  C) Focus on increasing your power through the formal organizational powers
  D) Do an excellent job on all your assignments

[rosiehomeworddo]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: D
Explanation: A) Incorrect. Decentralized networks have few structural holes. Being the center of such a network gives you little opportunity to serve as a bridge between unconnected people.
B) Incorrect. Structural hole theory states that you gain more influence if the people you are connected to are unconnected to one another.
C) Structural hole theory implies that you should connect with people who give you unique information, not people who share the same information you already have access to.
D) Correct. Structural hole theory argues that people have most influence when they serve as bridges between two other people who do not share a connection.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B
Explanation: A) Incorrect. The key factor distinguishing high performers from low performers is the ability to establish informal relationships through networks. Co-workers in your department are already part of your network and eating lunch with them would not expand your power base.
B) Correct. The key factor distinguishing high performers from low performers is the ability to establish informal relationships through networks. Networks are critical to effective performance for one compelling reason: except for routine jobs, no one has all the necessary information and resources to accomplish what's expected of him or her.
C) Incorrect. Formal organizational powers may have some influence, but the key factor distinguishing high performers from low performers is the ability to establish informal relationships through networks.
D) Incorrect. This would be an attempt at expanding your power base vertically (with regard to your managers).

[rachel9]

Thank you

[rosiehomeworddo]

Happy to help you