Structuring Research Articles

Evolutionary genomics of socially polymorphic populations of Pogonomyrmex californicus

BackgroundSocial insects vary considerably in their social organization both between and within species. In the California harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex californicus (Buckley 1867), colonies are commonly founded and headed by a single queen (haplometrosis, primary monogyny). However, in some populations in California (USA), unrelated queens cooperate not only during founding (pleometrosis) but also throughout the life of the colony (primary polygyny). The genetic architecture and evolutionary dynamics of this complex social niche polymorphism (haplometrosis vs pleometrosis) have remained unknown. ResultsWe provide a first analysis of its genomic basis and evolutionary history using population genomics comparing individuals from a haplometrotic population to those from a pleometrotic population. We discovered a recently evolved (< 200 k years), 8-Mb non-recombining region segregating with the observed social niche polymorphism. This region shares several characteristics with supergenes underlying social polymorphisms in other socially polymorphic ant species. However, we also find remarkable differences from previously described social supergenes. Particularly, four additional genomic regions not in linkage with the supergene show signatures of a selective sweep in the pleometrotic population. Within these regions, we find for example genes crucial for epigenetic regulation via histone modification (chameau) and DNA methylation (Dnmt1). ConclusionsAltogether, our results suggest that social morph in this species is a polygenic trait involving a potential young supergene. Further studies targeting haplo- and pleometrotic individuals from a single population are however required to conclusively resolve whether these genetic differences underlie the alternative social phenotypes or have emerged through genetic drift.

Team leadership and leadership roles

Although leadership theory recognises the importance of leaders in a team, research has mostly focused on various personal characteristics of leaders or leadership style, while less attention has been paid to the social relationships in which leaders are embedded. We therefore examine both internal and external social ties of leaders with the aim of identifying variations in the network patterns of team leaders. We hypothesise that leaders' relationship patterns lead to different network structures, which in turn create differences in leadership roles. By examining the social networks of team leaders from Slovenian and Finnish organisations between 2009 and 2012, we empirically identify variations in leaders' social networks. The results suggest four distinct social structures within which team leaders perform their leadership roles. We have shown that leadership roles can be distinguished from teams and team leaders based on the characteristics of social networks.

Food ethnobotany of forest resource in the high-altitude Himalaya Mountains: Enhancing the food sovereignty of ethnic groups

The vital knowledge of traditional foraging techniques used in indigenous peoples' cuisines may be preserved through gastronomical field studies before it is lost forever. Certain plants are appreciated for their gastronomic, social, economic and ecological importance in the High Himalaya because they play such a significant role in the daily life of the local indigenous populations. To determine the plant cultural indicators for each ethnic group, the data were analyzed using an indicator species analysis. Semi-structured interviews of 167 participants, focus group discussion, and field observations were used to gather information from February 2019 to August 2022 for a comprehensive and systematic gastronomical survey. Across four ethnic groups, a total of (N = 99) wild edible plant species and (N = 9) fungi species from 38 families were documented. Tender leaves were the most commonly used, while tubers were the least commonly used. The majority of the species reported were used as vegetables, followed by species used as fruits and herbal tea. For the first time, we examined cross-cultural similarity and dissimilarity for gastronomic usage: vegetables and savoring plants,fruits, and herbal tea across the cultures studied from the perspective of food ethnobotany. We discovered a clear difference in how different cultures used forest resources, with Gujjar and Pahari showing the most species similarity. This is because these ethic groups are culturally linked with one another and share a common social structure, geography, and language. We calculated plant cultural markers for each species, and 19 of them had significant p-values among the four ethnic groups. The findings revealed a positive relationship between the Gujjar and Pahari ethnic groups and the gastronomical indicator values, while the Kashmiri ethnic group had a negative relationship. The Kashmiri ethnic group experienced the loss of traditional knowledge because of the economic transition that caused people to prefer purchasing vegetables from the market rather than foraging for them in the wild. Traditional knowledge was also dwindling between the Gujjar and Pahari ethnic groups because of social changes brought on by developmental activities that changed their way of life. The identified plant cultural markers were significant to local residents and frequently had adaptations to extremely harsh climatic and environmental conditions. Our finding that 47% of species had market value suggests that these species have a sizable market demand and a promising economic value. They have the potential to boost food security, local community sovereignty, and people's living standards. Food production systems may become more resilient and sustainable by incorporating these indicator species into conventional agriculture. The current study raises awareness about forest resources and enables ethnic groups to live in a natural environment without food scarcity.

Cradling disparities: A descriptive qualitative study of maternal experiences of mothers from low-socioeconomic status in the first month postpartum.

To explore the experiences, expectations and needs of mothers from low-socioeconomic status at 1 month postpartum. Descriptive qualitative. Mothers from low-socioeconomic status and irrespective of their parity were invited to participate in one-to-one interviews at 1 month postpartum. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Written informed consent was obtained. Twenty mothers participated and six themes were identified: (1) No choice but to find meaning; (2) Father as a major pillar of support; (3) 'Kampung' Spirit; (4) Trials and Tribulations of Transition to Motherhood; (5) Shame, guilt and internalized stigma and (6) Reclaiming the power. This study reflected the unique struggles of mothers from low-socioeconomic status with pregnancy, childbirth and early postpartum and the wider health inequities within Singapore's maternal health system. To provide much-needed support and improved care, the stakeholders within government, healthcare providers and social organizations should consider the niche needs of this community. Nurses need to reflect on their own biases and ensure consistent care delivery regardless of socioeconomic status. When delivering patient education, patient-centred and sincere advice rooted in personal experience can help to establish rapport. This study is the first to explore the experiences of mothers from low-socioeconomic status in the Singapore context. Low-socioeconomic status mothers experienced less autonomy over their health, the care they received and their childcare options. As mothers adjusted to their new roles, they struggled to cope. However, as they were wary of the stigma surrounding poverty and their guilt of not being a 'good mother', they preferred to seek informal support from their family, friends and self-help through learning from social media, as compared to formal, external help. COREQ checklist. No patient or public contribution.

Depression and suicidal ideation among adolescent girls in refugee settlements in northern Uganda.

Depression is a leading cause of disability, morbidity, and mortality among adolescent girls in Africa, with varying prevalence across different populations. However, there is paucity of data on the burden of depression among priority groups in unique settings like adolescent girls living in refugee settlements, where access to mental health services including psychosocial support and psychiatric consultation is scarce. We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study among adolescent girls from 4 selected refugee settlements in Obongi and Yumbe districts, Uganda. A multi-stage sampling, and cluster sampling techniques, where each settlement represented 1 cluster was done. Prevalence of depression was assessed using the patient health questionnaire-9 modified for adolescents, followed by the P4 screener assessment tool for suicidal risks. We performed modified Poisson regression analysis to establish predictors of depression. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. We included 385 participants with a mean age of 17 (IQR: 15-18) years. The prevalence of depression was 15.1% (n = 58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.6-19.0). Overall, 8.6% (n = 33) participants had recent suicidal thoughts (within 1 month) and 2.3% (n = 9) attempted suicide. Participants who experienced pregnancy (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.00-5.94, P = .049), sexual abuse (aPR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.19-3.76, P = .011), and physical abuse (aPR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.01-2.74, P = .044) were independently associated with depression. In this study, we found about one in every 6 adolescents living in refugee settlements of northern Uganda to suffer from depression, particularly among those who experienced adolescent pregnancy and various forms of abuses. Incorporating mental health care in the existing health and social structures within the refugee settlements, exploring legal options against perpetrators of sexual abuse and encouraging education is recommended in this vulnerable population.

The strength of gut microbiota transfer along social networks and genealogical lineages in the house mouse.

The gut microbiota of vertebrates is acquired from the environment and other individuals, including parents and unrelated conspecifics. In the laboratory mouse, a key animal model, inter-individual interactions are severely limited and its gut microbiota is abnormal. Surprisingly, our understanding of how inter-individual transmission impacts house mouse gut microbiota is solely derived from laboratory experiments. We investigated the effects of inter-individual transmission on gut microbiota in two subspecies of house mice (Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus) raised in a semi-natural environment without social or mating restrictions. We assessed the correlation between microbiota composition (16S rRNA profiles), social contact intensity (microtransponder-based social networks), and mouse relatedness (microsatellite-based pedigrees). Inter-individual transmission had a greater impact on the lower gut (colon and caecum) than on the small intestine (ileum). In the lower gut, relatedness and social contact independently influenced microbiota similarity. Despite female-biased parental care, both parents exerted a similar influence on their offspring's microbiota, diminishing with the offspring's age in adulthood. Inter-individual transmission was more pronounced in M. m. domesticus, a subspecies, with a social and reproductive network divided into more closed modules. This suggests that the transmission magnitude depends on the social and genetic structure of the studied population.

A Contribution to the Study of Violence Against Women in Politics

This chapter addresses various aspects of the emerging research area, exploring concepts, theories, and data related to the study of violence against women in politics. It occurs within the political sphere but specifically targets women. It is used to reinforce traditional social and political structures by targeting women leaders who challenge patriarchy and the prevailing social expectations and norms. In many societies, such practices are marginalized, naturalized, depoliticized, and remain invisible. When female politicians are attacked for their political views alone, this is not necessarily a case of violence against women in politics. Ambiguity emerges, however, due to the fact that the means for attacking female politicians often rely on gendered scripts, focusing on women’s bodies and their traditional social roles, primarily as mothers and wives, to deny or undercut women’s competence in the political sphere. Symbolic and semiotic violence in politics can be effective in sustaining women’s oppression because it is subtle, euphemized, and invisible. Even if women recognize these acts as exercises of power, they still do not name it violence, even in societies with greater levels of gender equality. The concept of semiotic violence refers to the use of language, images and symbols as a means to marginalize and disqualify women as political actors. Often normalized, these dynamics serve to maintain gender hierarchies, undermining democracy and eroding the possibilities for women’s political empowerment. In response to the question of how to solve the problem of violence against women in politics, researchers offer a solution in the form of a comprehensive approach to addressing this sort of violence.

Tuning one and other

ABSTRACT Being and bearing witness is foundational to social structures. Different kinds of mediated presence, which have been introduced by information and communication technology in the twentieth century, affect how people are witness to each other. To better understand trade-offs for trust, the so-called YUTPA framework is developed, which allows for identifying different presence configurations. As a techno biography, the memory of four live events is re-visited to explore the force of mediating presence for being and bearing witness in the new presence configurations that have emerged in the use of information and communication technology. These live events happened in different decades with different levels of technology and all represent a threshold in the developing media schemata in the Amsterdam digital cultural scene since the 1980s. This article argues that for being and bearing witness in mediated presence, psychological capacities for processes of imagination, attribution and immediate adaptation are pivotal. Witnessing the self appears to be a key capacity in these processes. While steering towards well-being and survival, ethical positions that reflect trade-offs for trust and truth, are chosen. It is the physical presence of the witness as the beholder of sensations, emotions and feelings, that steers towards well-being and survival.

Body and Brain Quality-Diversity in Robot Swarms

In biological societies, complex interactions between the behavior and morphology of evolving organisms and their environment have given rise to a wide range of complex and diverse social structures. Similarly, in artificial counterparts such as swarm-robotics systems, collective behaviors emerge via the interconnected dynamics of robot morphology (sensory-motor configuration), behavior (controller), and environment (task). Various studies have demonstrated morphological and behavioral diversity enables biological groups to exhibit adaptive, robust, and resilient collective behavior across changing environments. However, in artificial (swarm robotic) systems there is little research on the impact of changing environments on morphological and behavioral (body-brain) diversity in emergent collective behavior, and the benefits of such diversity. This study uses evolutionary collective robotics as an experimental platform to investigate the impact of increasing task environment complexity (collective behavior task difficulty) on the evolution and benefits of morphological and behavioral diversity in robotic swarms. Results indicate that body-brain evolution using coupled behavior and morphology diversity maintenance yields higher behavioral and morphological diversity, which is beneficial for collective behavior task performance across task environments. Results also indicate that such behavioral and morphological diversity maintenance coupled with body-brain evolution produces neuro-morpho complexity that does not increase concomitantly with task complexity.

Approach to the social determination of self-medication by antibiotics in the city of Medellín 2012-2022

Objective: to describe the configuration of the processes of social determination that have influenced self-medication by antibiotics in the city of Medellín between the years 2012-2022. Methods: Descriptive interpretive study with an ethnographic approach from the perspective of the social determination of health. Results: structural processes such as the commodification of social security, few public health actions, and de-industrialization and subsequent loss of labor rights were identified as the main destructive processes that affect self-medication by antibiotics and that are reproduced in the private and private domains. singular respectively. The main protective process identified was family and community support. Conclusion: Self-medication by antibiotics is a practice that is determined by the social structure and the prevailing development model by maintaining barriers to health services that transcend the health system through different mechanisms. That is why the interventions that are carried out around this practice must be characterized by intersectorality and the articulation of different institutions and social actors so that they can be effective and have efficiency in the short, medium and long term.

Convivial Populations: Ivan Illich and Public Health in the 21st Century.

Ivan Illich (1926-2002) was a historian, social critic, and professor at multiple universities. He came to intellectual fame through his criticisms of modern institutions, including health care, and his concern with social structures that he believed to impede human flourishing. However, Illich has not been thoroughly explored as a source of insight for public health professionals. Although he populates the medical and public health literature, discourse remains sparse about how Illich might contribute to key conversations in public health today. In this article, I explore Illich's potential contributions to modern public health through one of his seminal works, Tools for Conviviality. I frame Illich as a valuable conversational partner for public health professionals at a crucial moment in the field's history. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print May 9, 2024:e1-e6. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307675).

Subnational Environmental Policy: Trends and Issues

Policies relevant to many key sociological processes are often subnational, enacted at the regional, state/provincial, and/or local levels. This applies notably in the politics of the environmental state, where public and private subnational environmental policies (SNEPs) have major consequences for managing climate change, addressing environmental injustices, regulating land uses, greening energy markets, limiting pollution, and much more. While sociologists focus more on national policies, diverse sociological contributions emphasize the importance of SNEPs and their origins, diffusion, implementation, and sources of backlash. We begin by providing a typology of SNEPs. Next, we highlight not only environmental sociology (with its particular attention to climate change and energy) but also the sociologies of social movements, politics, the economy, science, risk, and organizations, which have each offered unique perspectives. Finally, we outline an agenda for how sociologists can further elaborate a distinctive perspective that highlights inequality, valuation, diffusion, scale shifts, and venue-shopping up to national and global policy systems.

The “Boundary” of Technology, Culture, and Digitalization

Human beings use various techniques to change their mode of production and lifeworld. However, modern technology is becoming increasingly self-oriented and is threatening human subjectivity. The digital revolution, with its unprecedented “surpassing” capability, breaks through various boundaries of human social life and, in reality, increasingly escapes from human control. The digital mode of thinking involves both formality and power. When social beings and humanities become products and commodities, and when “artificial humans” such as electronic humans, robots, intelligent humans, and genetic humans can be mass-produced, “natural humans” seem to disappear. The social organizations, lifestyles, ethics, and legal systems that are composed and created by natural beings can no longer be maintained. If humans have always dreamed of enhancing their potential by integrating technology science with social ethics and humanistic values, the building of digital ethics and digital cultural values then becomes a must. And the basis for all of these is to acknowledge and maintain some basic boundaries. The most important one is the boundary between human nature/self and “non-human”—the boundary between human beings and the external world. If human nature resists digitalization, humans will never be “assimilated” by technology. The survival of human beings and the continuation of civilization require a balance among technology, digitalization, humanity, and ethics to secure human subjectivity over technocracy.

Ecology and social behavior of the midday gerbil Meriones meridianus: Insights from long-term research in the wild and seminatural environments

The present review provides a compilation of the published data on the ecology and social behavior of midday gerbils. Both field studies and observations under semi-natural conditions provide evidence that the midday gerbil is a nocturnal, primarily granivorous rodent that lives in highly seasonal habitats. A typical feature of the midday gerbils’ spatial organization is formation of multi-male–multi-female associations (breeding colonies) in which male home ranges overlap each other and with female ranges to a great extent, while females tend to occupy exclusive home ranges. The mating system of this species can be defined as polygynandry or promiscuity; males appear to compete for access to receptive females. The social structure in the midday gerbil is primarily based on aggressive interactions between conspecifics resulting in a dominance hierarchy among males and site-dependent dominance among females, especially during the breeding season. After the cessation of reproduction, a tendency towards more pronounced gregariousness appears, and midday gerbils form wintering groups; gerbils, however, lead solitary lives within these groups. Overall, the data presented expand our understanding of socio-ecology of gerbils.

Legitimacy of Community Justice. A Look From the Aymara Communities of Peru

Objective: The objective is to identify the designation of communal authorities in the form of election, its organizational structure, its attributions, roles, functions and legitimacy in the community. Finally, to explain the prevailing norms, forms of conflict resolution within the framework of the administration of communal justice, considering as a source the cultural patterns as a mechanism of access to justice. Results: The study is carried out in the district of Chucuito, Puno, Peru, where the ancestral social political organization persists and the administration of justice is based on its cultural practice, especially rooted in the ancestral historical legacy. In the article, an analysis is made regarding the scope and limitations of the administration of community justice. Method: The method used is ethnographic-qualitative. In the procedural aspect, it was carried out through the analysis of the Communal Minutes Book, where the cases dealt with in the communal assemblies are recorded. Observation guides and in-depth interviews were used as research instruments. The field work was carried out following a program of visits coordinated with the communal authorities for a period of one year. Conclusions: The ancestral practices of justice administration are in force in the Aymara communities practiced by the families of the community and authorities, mainly Lieutenant Governors, based on custom, ancestral traditions and the legitimacy attributed to them by the community population, and they seek to lay the foundations for the understanding and incorporation to the official state justice spheres.

Multi-Stakeholder Analysis on Tourism Development in Zambales, Philippines

This paper outlined the findings from an empirical investigation to ascertain the differences on the extent of tourism development along with PESTLE factor and how tourism should be sustainably developed as analyzed and perceived by three groups of stakeholders in Zambales: Local Government Unit, Selected Resort Management/customers service office and customers. Based from the findings, the researcher concluded that the three groups of stakeholders such as; Local government unit, management/customer service office and customers/guests, had important contribution for the sustainable tourism development in the province of Zambales. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the perceptions held by tourism stakeholders towards the current state of the tourism industry and how it could be developed holistically. The tourism development in Zambales described as high extent as to political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, legal and environmental factor. The results concluded that tourism development could significantly contribute to economic growth in the province of Zambales through creating new business opportunities to improve standard of living of the community by providing employment. In this regard, in order to improve the current situation of tourism industry, Strategic Development Plan for Sustainable Tourism is proposed. Provincial government of Zambales must design and formulate programs to integrate tourism requirements into all levels of local government unit and would have to take a visionary local government official who has the grit to literally fight for a well-defined and managed tourism industry because it is a chance for municipalities to move up through the help of tourism, yet it requires the cooperation or input of every social and institutional organization such as stakeholders. Therefore, planning for the development of tourism based on sustainable economic development, growth and prosperity of local communities can be effective.

A Review of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics in Plant Quality and Environmental Response: From Bibliometric Analysis to Science Mapping and Future Trends

Transcriptomics and metabolomics offer distinct advantages in investigating the differentially expressed genes and cellular entities that have the greatest influence on end-phenotype, making them crucial techniques for studying plant quality and environmental responses. While numerous relevant articles have been published, a comprehensive summary is currently lacking. This review aimed to understand the global and longitudinal research trends of transcriptomics and metabolomics in plant quality and environmental response (TMPQE). Utilizing bibliometric methods, we presented a comprehensive science mapping of the social structure, conceptual framework, and intellectual foundation of TMPQE. We uncovered that TMPQE research has been categorized into three distinct stages since 2020. A citation analysis of the 29 most cited articles, coupled with a content analysis of recent works (2020–2023), highlight five potential research streams in plant quality and environmental responses: (1) biosynthetic pathways, (2) abiotic stress, (3) biotic stress, (4) development and ripening, and (5) methodologies and tools. Current trends and future directions are shaped by technological advancements, species diversity, evolving research themes, and an environmental ecology focus. Overall, this review provides a novel and comprehensive perspective to understand the longitudinal trend on TMPQE.

What alleviates the harmful effect of strain on recovery from work of 4478 health and social services workers? A cross-sectional study.

To analyse whether the harmful effect of job demands on recovery can be alleviated by healthy lifestyle, psychological recovery experiences and job resources. We also describe their prevalence among employees in different types of eldercare service and in the health and social services sector in general. Cross-sectional study. The data were collected using a self-report survey in 2020 in the health and social services sector organizations (n = 4478). Employees were classified as the following service types: general health and social services (N = 3225), home care (N = 452), service housing (N = 550) and outpatient and ward care (N = 202). The data were analysed using percentages, cross-tabulations and logistic regression analysis. Poor recovery, high job demands, low appreciation and low autonomy in terms of worktime and breaks were more prevalent in eldercare. Employers could alleviate the risk of high job demands by offering job resources-appreciation, autonomy in terms of worktimes and breaks-and motivating employees to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and use recovery experiences such as relaxation. The study emphasizes the importance of appreciation in the health and social services sector context. Even with moderate levels of appreciation employers can protect employees from poor recovery from work in the demanding health and social services work environment. Eldercare employees face continuous and accumulating work strain at the same time as the sector struggles against a labour shortage. One way to prevent the harmful consequences of strain is to enhance recovery from work. Employers could alleviate the risk of high job demands and poor recovery by showing appreciation and giving employees more autonomy in terms of work time and breaks during the workday. This could also motivate employees to keep up healthy lifestyle habits and use their recovery experiences. Results are important especially in the daily management of HSS work. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: Managers in the health and social services sector and eldercare can use these findings to promote recovery from work. STROBE checklist. No patient or public contribution.

Social network analysis for medical narcotics in South Korea: focusing on patients and healthcare organizations

BackgroundMedical narcotics must be administered under medical supervision because of their potential for misuse and abuse, leading to more dangerous and addictive substances. The control of medical narcotics requires close monitoring to ensure that they remain safe and effective. This study proposes a methodology that can effectively identify the overprescription of medical narcotics in hospitals and patients.MethodsSocial network analysis (SNA) was applied to prescription networks for medical narcotics. Prescription data were obtained from the Narcotics Information Management System in South Korea, which contains all data on narcotic usage nationwide. Two-mode networks comprising hospitals and patients were constructed based on prescription data from 2019 to 2021 for the three most significant narcotics: appetite suppressants, zolpidem, and propofol. Two-mode networks were then converted into one-mode networks for hospitals. Network structures and characteristics were analyzed to identify hospitals suspected of overprescribing.ResultsThe SNA identified hospitals that overprescribed medical narcotics. Patients suspected of experiencing narcotic addiction seek treatment in such hospitals. The structure of the network was different for the three narcotics. While appetite suppressants and propofol networks had a more centralized structure, zolpidem networks showed a less centralized but more fragmented structure. During the analysis, two types of hospitals caught our attention: one with a high degree, meaning that potential abusers have frequently visited the hospital, and the other with a high weighted degree, meaning that the hospital may overprescribe. For appetite suppressants, these two types of hospitals matched 84.6%, compared with 30.0% for propofol. In all three narcotics, clinics accounted for the largest share of the network. Patients using appetite suppressants were most likely to visit multiple locations, whereas those using zolpidem and propofol tended to form communities around their neighborhoods.ConclusionsThe significance of this study lies in its analysis of nationwide narcotic use reports and the differences observed across different types of narcotics. The social network structure between hospitals and patients varies depending on the composition of the medical narcotics. Therefore, these characteristics should be considered when controlling medication with narcotics. The results of this study provide guidelines for controlling narcotic use in other countries.

B2B informal networking influences on relational outcomes in emerging and developed nations: a multiregional empirical study

Purpose This study aims to investigate how indigenous socio-cultural (ISC) practices within informal networks, such as guanxi and wasta, provide benefits beyond mere access. Specifically, the authors explore their global impact on B2B relationships, focusing on reciprocity. A multiregional sample extends research on ISC practices in B2B relationships by examining contingency effects of informal network ties. Design/methodology/approach The authors surveyed 404 buyers in two developed (Hong Kong and Portugal) and two emerging economies (Kuwait and Colombia), and also categorized by strong and weak informal network ties. Using structural equation modeling, the authors examined a relationship marketing (RM) model from a typology (Clubs, Sociocracies, Clans and Compadres) for assessing contingency effects. Findings The study reveals that in developed economies with strong formal institutions, negative aspects of favor reciprocity norms intensify unless informal networks are driven by strict sociomoral obligations. This supports research indicating that contractual governance competes rather than complements relational governance. Moreover, trust-building processes are crucial in regions with low uncertainty tolerance to mitigate adverse effects. Practical implications Suppliers from developed nations need more than cultural communication insights when engaging in business in emerging markets. We acknowledge changes buyers may expect adherence to reciprocity rules embedded in the ISC practices of their informal networks. Originality/value This study pioneers a typology of social structures to analyze ISC practices across buyers with varying formal institutional strength and informal network ties. It sheds light on institutional dynamics, trust-building processes, and nuances surrounding both positive and negative aspects of reciprocity practices. Furthermore, it broadens the scope of RM to Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.