Structural Holes and Network Closure in the Contemporary Chinese Academic Labor Market

• In Event: 540 - Section on Science, Knowledge, and Technology Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 07. Knowledge Networks

Abstract

In this paper, we apply the concepts of structural holes and network closure to a different cultural context by studying the effect of network structures on job success in the Chinese academic labor market. The study is made even more valuable under the changing nature of the Chinese academia with the reversed migration of returnee academics. We present data on two groups of Chinese scholars: those earning Ph.Ds. domestically and those returning from Ph.D. programs abroad. These groups reflect two network strategies: Domestically-trained scholars are more likely to feature network closure replete with guanxi relations. Overseas returnees are more likely to occupy structural holes with opportunities for international collaboration respectively. The paper differentiates between first promotion, promotion to advanced positions, and administrative positions of Chinese scholars. It tries to assess whether the benefit conferring to weak ties and individual occupying structural hole position found in the Western context also prevailed in China. Empirical results of network analysis showed that network ties are important, but that the network structures that are most beneficial vary between returnees and domestically trained, and further differ between first promotion and later promotions. While large networks are generally helpful for promotion, structural holes are only helpful for first promotion and only for returnees, while domestically trained scientists and those aiming for higher promotions benefit more from closure. These results make an important contribution to the literature on social networks, and also provide insights into the nature of university organizations.

Author

• Xiao Lu, Tsinghua University