›› 2017, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (9): 95-109.

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Impact of Divisive Faultlines on Subgroup Polarization Based on Network Diversity Perspective

Cheng Long, Dang Xinghua, Xiao Yao   

  1. School of Economics and Management, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an 710054
  • Received:2015-12-04 Online:2017-09-28 Published:2017-10-09

Abstract:

Based on previous studies of network diversity and subgroup, we extend divisive faultlines from groups of individuals to technological innovation network, analyze the concrete forms of divisive faultlines in technology innovation network from three diversity attributes:identity, geography and knowledge. Then we use joint application patents data in Chinese electronic information industry from 2000 to 2013 to build inter-organizational technology innovation network, and test the impact of divisive faultlines, actors' heterogeneity and positional embeddedness on subgroup polarization conjointly through multiple hierarchical regression method. Results show that potential divisive faultlines will appear when the node attributes aggregation in technology innovation network is composed of multiple different actors, but its direct impact on subgroup polarization is not significant; However, when the common effect of actors' heterogeneity or positional embeddedness is controlled, the direct effects become significant, and the divisive faultlines will have a bigger impact on subgroup polarization with moderately actors' heterogeneity than with weak or very strong actors' heterogeneity. In addition, the effect of divisive faultlines on subgroup polarization is increased significantly when positional embeddedness dispersion are at high levels, which demonstrates potential divisive faultlines will be triggered by some key mechanisms such as positional embeddedness dispersion. This research conclusion provides a new research perspective for understanding the micro process of technological innovation network structure change, and has guiding significance for exploring the inner mechanism of network subgroup formation and development too.

Key words: divisive faultlines, subgroup polarization, actors' heterogeneity, positional embeddedness, innovation network