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Understanding weak ties as an opportunity for elite leadership proliferation : How does organisational structure in AIESEC influence job seeking behaviour of alumni?

Glasner, I. (2017) Understanding weak ties as an opportunity for elite leadership proliferation : How does organisational structure in AIESEC influence job seeking behaviour of alumni?

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Abstract:In this “network society” of the 21st century, its complexities and dynamics are substantially determining the economic, cultural and social context and interrelations (Castells 2010). Political sociology understands weak ties as grounds for access to certain networks and its opportunities. After being in-troduced by Granovetter in 1971, the term transformed into a behaviour of networking for the sake of career opportunities. His theory complements “an economic analysis of labour markets and hiring practices” and seeks to under-stand the practice of placing a job through connections (Volti 2012). Taking that perspective, this qualitative research paper argues that weak ties within the elite student network AIESEC are providing a unique advantage for future career perspectives of Alumni. This argument is substantiated on the notion that AIESEC’s network mechanisms and structures are creating a bal-ance of social and human capital which both are used by Alumni for their ca-reer development. By exploring endogen structural tendencies of the AIESEC network, this research paper is based on the interviews of four AIESEC Alum-ni who pursued a career in the EU Commission. Their stories are analysed with regards to organisational sociology, career practices and ego-network. The research will conclude by discussing the analysed stories and how they might elucidate the understanding of the phenomenon weak ties for the net-work of AIESEC.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:70 social sciences in general, 71 sociology, 85 business administration, organizational science
Programme:Management Society and Technology BSc (56654)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/72274
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