Is weak the new strong?

Gaining competence in the global, rapid changing environment, urges organizations to innovate. Finnish organizations are not exceptions in this case. New developments cross the borders.

PR processes have to be fitted in new situations time after time. Also organizational structures face changes. For example communication networks and working in teams are seen as reasonable solutions. Gathering knowledge and cooperating may result in great success.

In innovative co-work, weak ties should be more valued according to sociologist Mark Granovetter. The people with whom you have the strongest ties think and act more likely similar to you. Weak ties instead can combine more diverse ideas, sources and knowledge. All needed in creative work!

This idea is quite obvious. But still, it hit on me. It’s easy to prefer strong ties in different tasks but should those be questioned more often? It’s quite same with even the group works we do when studying… Even though it might be easier to work with friends, co-work with new people may result in quite different outcome and expand your personal knowledge.



Sources:

Cheney, G., Christensen, L. T., Zorn, T. E., & Ganesh, S. (2004). Organizational communication in the age of globalization: Issues, reflections, practices. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press (p.156-158).