Status and the Reproduction of Structural Holes

When are high-status firms likely to bridge structural holes? Prior research has reported mixed findings on this important yet ambiguous relationship. Drawing on the motivation-opportunity-ability (MOA) framework, we contend that high-status firms may have both greater opportunity and ability to span structural holes, but often lack the motivation to do so. Specifically, we investigate motivation factors at multiple levels: firm-specific knowledge resources, portfolio technological diversity, and industry network density. Analyses of 330 firms in the US computer and pharmaceutical industries suggest that high-status firms will likely forgo brokerage opportunities when they own firm-specific knowledge resources, develop a diversified alliance portfolio, or are situated within a dense industry network.