Weak and Strong Ties in Knowledge Management – Granovetter's Theory

In the field of knowledge management, the structure and nature of social networks play a significant role in how knowledge is created, shared, and utilized. One of the most influential concepts in this context is the theory proposed by sociologist Mark Granovetter in his seminal 1973 paper “The Strength of Weak Ties.” This theory distinguishes between strong and weak interpersonal ties and emphasizes the surprising power of weak ties in information diffusion.

Strong vs. Weak Ties

Strong ties represent close relationships such as family, best friends, or trusted colleagues. These ties are characterized by frequent interaction, emotional intensity, trust, and mutual support. Within strong-tie networks, information tends to circulate within a closed circle, often leading to redundancy because people within these networks usually know the same things.

Weak ties, on the other hand, are more casual or distant relationships — such as acquaintances, former classmates, or LinkedIn contacts. While these ties may involve less frequent communication and emotional involvement, they often bridge different social circles. This bridging function gives weak ties a unique value in providing access to novel information and diverse perspectives.

Granovetter’s Core Argument

Granovetter argued that weak ties are more valuable for the spread of new information than strong ties. This is because weak ties connect us to people outside our immediate social group — in other words, they act as bridges between otherwise disconnected clusters.

For example, when searching for a job, people often find useful leads not through close friends, who share similar information, but through distant acquaintances, who have access to different networks.

This insight has important implications for knowledge management: organizations benefit from fostering weak-tie networks that connect employees across departments, disciplines, and external institutions. Encouraging such connections can boost innovation, knowledge diversity, and adaptability.

Illustrative Network Diagram (Descriptive)

Below is a description of a network diagram illustrating Granovetter’s theory:

For example:
- Anna and John are close friends (strong tie).
- Lisa and David have a weak tie — they know each other casually.
- David and Sophie belong to a different social circle.
- The connection between Lisa and David serves as a **bridge** between two social clusters.

This network shows how Lisa's weak tie with David enables access to new knowledge from David’s cluster, which would otherwise be inaccessible to Anna or John. Without that weak tie, both clusters would remain isolated.

Conclusion

Granovetter’s theory of the strength of weak ties is a foundational idea in social network theory and knowledge management. It demonstrates that while strong ties are essential for trust and deep collaboration, weak ties are critical for knowledge diversity and innovation. Effective knowledge strategies should therefore promote both types of connections, with special attention to bridging mechanisms that facilitate knowledge flow across boundaries.

Prepared by:
Karolina Sieradzka, Katarzyna Strzeszewska, Małgorzata Sawczak