The effects of network's structural holes: polycentric institutions, product portfolio, and new venture growth in China and Russia
研究网络结构洞对中俄软件企业产品开发与利润增长的影响，发现其效果取决于国家制度和创业阶段，结构洞在俄罗斯比在中国更有用。
Abstract This study examines the effect of network's structural holes (i.e., the absence of a link between two contacts who are both linked to an actor) on product development and profit growth of software ventures in two different institutional contexts—China and Russia. Using interview data of 159 software entrepreneurs in Beijing and Moscow, the study found that the effect of structural holes is contingent upon country institutional context and venture development stage. Specifically, structural holes have a positive main effect on product portfolio, but a negative main effect on profit growth in the second revenue year (early stage of venture development). Structural holes are more useful in the Russian institutional context compared to the Chinese institutional context due to the polycentricity of institutions. The research implications of the findings are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Strategic Management Society.