The Tie That Binds: An Exchange Theory of Network Retention

• In Event: 329 - Regular Session. Social Psychology

Abstract

Drawing on existing social exchange and social identity theories, I explicate and test a new theory of network retention. The theory holds that the opportunity to leave one exchange network for another triggers psychological processes that influence group identification and the choice to stay in a pre-existing network. Differences in personal attraction for exchange partners across the reciprocal and negotiated forms of exchange are key to this process, with the greater personal attraction produced by reciprocal exchange resulting in actors who become aware of an exit opportunity being more likely to view their entire network as a group and thus, remain in it. A laboratory experiment empirically tests this argument. Findings generally support the theory and inform discussion about the theory’s implications.

Author

• Scott V. Savage, University of California-Riverside