Organization of firm networks: Six critical points for empirical analysis

Network theory has continued to evolve in recent years, but empirical studies are still lagging behind. Complex hybrid forms, meanwhile, are actually being structured in the real world of organizations, leaving a gap to be filled by theoretical and applied research. On the theoretical side some consolidation is necessary, and on the empirical side a research agenda has yet to be properly developed. This paper introduces and analyzes the dyadic perspective and the social embeddedness of networks. It offers a critical analysis challenging the radical social perspective of the new institutional approach. In addition, the paper introduces the possibility of observing trustless networks and adds six empirical questions in the format of a research agenda.