In this study of the business communication that connects an organization with
others in its environment, we link boundary spanning with network theory and
propose the concept of an extended network of communication. This extended net
work is the structure of business communication which flows in work-related ties
that organization members maintain both within the organization and across its
boundary. We study the relationship between boundary-spanning communication
and individual influence in a network with 108 organizational members. We find
that boundary spanning correlates with influence, regardless of hierarchical level.
There is also a curvilinear relationship between boundary-spanning communication
and individual influence. Thus, managers need to balance their communication
within and across the organizational boundary.
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