The evolving influence of social networks on collaboration technology use during telework transitions
研究远程工作转型如何改变社交网络对协作技术使用的影响，发现工具性网络（影响力）在远程期间作用增强且持续，而情感性网络（友谊）作用减弱但恢复。
Purpose While existing research shows that employees’ use of collaboration technologies can be influenced by their social relationships, whether and how these effects change under organizational disruptions remains unclear. This study aims to narrow this gap by examining how telework transitions affect the impacts of social networks on collaboration technology use. Design/methodology/approach To examine our research model, we utilize the massive shift to telework prompted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China. We collect multisource data, including digital trace data on collaboration technology use, roster-based survey data on social networks and demographic profile data, from 183 employees in an international technology company’s human resource (HR) department. Findings Our findings reveal that centrality in instrumental networks (represented by influence networks) and expressive networks (represented by friendship networks) positively affects collaboration technology use across the phases of before, during and after telework. Notably, influence centrality had a stronger effect on collaboration technology use during telework than it had before telework, and this enhanced effect persisted after employees returned to the office. In contrast, the impact of friendship centrality on collaboration technology use was weaker during telework than it was before telework, and this reduced effect gradually recovered after employees returned to the office. Moreover, we identified a consistently negative interaction effect between influence centrality and friendship centrality on collaboration technology use before, during and after telework. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by adopting a dynamic perspective to investigate how the effect of social networks on collaboration technology use evolves amid organizational disruptions, particularly the shift to telework. Practically, our findings offer actionable insights for organizations to promote technology-based collaboration and optimize technology application through informal relationships among employees during times of organizational disruption.