The effects of social structure on individual actions: A social cognition and social structure approach

This study examines the effects of epistemic motives and individual social structure (strength of social ties) on individual actions. It has been suggested that the informal structure of relations that develops within firms affects the actions of individuals perhaps more so than formal structure. If this is true, when studying organizations perhaps more effort should be given to examining the effects of the structure of social relations within the firm. This study has attempted to take the first steps in beginning to systematically study identifiable and predictable effects of the informal structure of relations on the behavior of individuals.;During the process of examining the effects of epistemic motives and individual social structure on the actions of individuals, two important questions were addressed. First, what are the effects of epistemic motives on the formation of individual social structure? The findings of this study suggest that the need for closure and the need for cognition affect the formation of individual social structure in different and identifiable ways. In addition, the level of epistemic motivation affects the degree to which social interactions affect tie strength. The second question is what are the effects of individual social structures on individual actions? The findings of this study suggest that the tie strength of an individual's social structure appears to affect interdependent actions; but, tie strength does not affect independent actions. In addition, an understanding about individuals' inclinations to take interdependent or independent actions is enhanced when the effects of both epistemic motives and social structure are considered.;The findings of this study suggest that information about the epistemic motives of employees can provide insight into the formation of the individual social structures and the intrinsic desire of employees to take interdependent or independent actions. The effects of epistemic motives and individual social structure on individual actions, the organizing process and the formulation and implementation of strategies are discussed.