In “The Strength of weak ties” Granovetter (1973) claims that ‘those to whom we are weakly tied are more likely to move in circles different from our own and will thus have access to information different from that which we receive’ (Granovetter:1973 p.1371). This can be applied in many situations, for example, in seeking a job. By paraphrasing Granovetter, we can say that those who have the weakest social ties, are the ones that are more connected, and in order to get job information, we will need to find somebody with weak ties.
However, we must not underestimate the power of strong ties since the effect of
weak ties may vary depending on the social, economic, and geographical context where the job seeking takes place. An example of this can be seen in the networks of professional and working class migrants.
weak ties may vary depending on the social, economic, and geographical context where the job seeking takes place. An example of this can be seen in the networks of professional and working class migrants.
In a case study done by Bagchi (2001) the importance of weak ties for the network development for professional migrants in the U.S. were emphasised. Nevertheless, the author makes a difference between the effects that weak ties have whether being male or female with the same profession skills since the results showed that women (except those of nursing profession), relied more on strong ties while men relied on weak ties.
On the other hand, Harvey (2008) analysed the way in which scientist from British and Indian origin obtain job information in the previously mentioned country. The study revealed that they use both strong and weak ties since they offer different advantages.
The author also provides several examples of researchers that argue that strong ties are more important because information from friends is more reliable. Also, if job opportunities are highly valued or limited, information will first be given to a friend rather than to an acquaintance.
In my personal experience, I have received job information from both weak and strong ties, having a more positive result with strong ones, since the references given about me have been more compelling and a genuine concern in helping me has accelerated the process. Therefore we must not despise strong ties in this matter.
REFERENCES
Bagchi, Ann D. (2001) “Migrant networks and the immigrant professional: An analysis of the role of weak ties” in Population Research and Policy Review Volume 20, Numbers 1-2, 9-31. Retrieved on 29 September 2010 fromSpringerlink http://www.springerlink.com
Granovetter, Mark (1973) “The strength of weak ties” in American Journal of Sociology, Vol 296, pp. 1302-1380
Harvey, William S. (2008), “Strong or weak ties? British and Indian expatriate scientists finding jobs in Boston” Global Networks, 8: 453–473.
Retrieved on 29 September 2010 from http://info.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
