The Role of Personal and Professional Networks in the Process of Technological Transformation

Abstract

This article deals with the role of network relations among professional actors in the process of technological transformation. Special attention is given to the role of professions in shaping individual behavior. The case presented shows how a collective strategy obtained by a group of dairy technicians has been able to institutionalize a set of routines of how to solve technological problems and develop new products through extensive network activities among a juice company, the local dairies, and metal shops producing equipment for dairies. Despite strong commitment to a new organizational goal in the juice company, the professional routines of the dairy technicians were able to cause the goal to fail and thereby preserve their dominating role in the organization.

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