Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/278120 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Citation: 
[Journal:] Journal of Management Studies [ISSN:] 1467-6486 [Volume:] 58 [Issue:] 8 [Publisher:] Wiley [Place:] Hoboken, NJ [Year:] 2021 [Pages:] 2111-2136
Publisher: 
Wiley, Hoboken, NJ
Abstract: 
Network theory and research have identified the powerful dynamic of homophily whereby individuals are more likely to connect with similar rather than dissimilar others. However, less is known about when individuals might connect with dissimilar others to enhance organizational diversity benefits and mitigate social exclusion. This study builds upon prior evidence linking homophily to both elite group closure and lower‐status self‐segregating social withdrawal to propose a new dynamic of middle‐status ambivalence toward homophily, generating a greater propensity toward diversity. Indian society offers a unique context of a legally codified, stable, three‐tiered status hierarchy to test the idea that middle‐status individuals will develop the most diverse networks. Using a unique longitudinal friendship network dataset, we find empirical support for our prediction, a novel contribution extending classic homophily theory. In addition, due to potent status dynamics we theorize and find that lowest‐status group members initiate more ties over time but also exhibit lower tie stability and greater losses of early ties than higher‐status group members, resulting in the appearance of lowest‐status group homophilous withdrawal. Overall, we advance homophily theory and offer practical suggestions for organizations seeking to enhance social ties across diversity and improve the effectiveness of social inclusion policies.
Subjects: 
caste
homophily
friendship ties
middle-status
elite closure
social withdrawal
tie seeking
tie stability
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by-nc-nd Logo
Document Type: 
Article
Document Version: 
Published Version
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