Relational Pluralism and Practice Variation

Abstract

explanations deriving from network positions, ignoring the multiplicity of networks that the organization is embedded in, heterogeneity in institutional backdrop of network partners and possible costs of maintaining network ties. The purpose of this study is to explore the implications of the key idea that not only the organizations are embedded in multiple networks, but also these networks themselves are institutional contexts. Focusing on the variation in corporate philanthropic activities of all banks in Turkey for the period of 2008-2012, this study explores; (1) how inter-organizational networks influence organizational preferences, (2) the strategies organizations use to deal with network multiplicity and (3) the performance implications of different philanthropic portfolio compositions. This study uses a unique dataset of over 2,600 philanthropic projects. Multilevel models are used to test the hypothesis. The findings suggest that network membership homogenizes practices; organizational level filters moderate this influence, when faced with network multiplicity, organizations diversify their portfolios and in corporate philanthropy, generalists outperform specialists. This study contributes to recent attempts on how institutional and networks perspectives can complement each other to present an alternative view to more traditional, monolithic representation of workings of networks. This study also contributes to research on corporate philanthropy to show the antecedents and consequences of corporate philanthropic portfolios.