Article
Academy of Management Journal

Relational Pluralism Within and Between Organizations

By: Andrew Shipilov, Ranjay Gulati, Martin Kilduff, Stan Li and Wenpin Tsai

Format:Print

Abstract

Relational pluralism exists when actors maintain multiple kinds of relationships with one another and develop multiple identities as a result. The outcomes of relational pluralism can include greater flexibility in building network ties, more stable exchange relationships, and the ability to adopt tailored innovations. We develop a typology of relational pluralism and examine both the positive and negative features of relational pluralism inside and across organizations. We conclude with a discussion of future directions for research.

Keywords

Organizations; Identity; Relationships

Citation

Shipilov, Andrew, Ranjay Gulati, Martin Kilduff, Stan Li, and Wenpin Tsai. "Relational Pluralism Within and Between Organizations." Academy of Management Journal 57, no. 2 (April 2014): 449–459.