Western and Eastern views on social networks

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to examine social networks from a Western and Eastern view. Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses case study methodology to gather evidence of how world pioneering firms from Asia and Europe measure and report their social connections from a Western perspective. Findings - It is examined the basic indicators firms use to measure these networks and the major issues managers should consider when measuring and reporting these knowledge-based resources. These indicators can be classified into four categories: customer description, customer portfolio, stakeholder capital and social networks. In total the study finds 29 relevant indicators for organizational social connections. Originality/value - The paper provides great value both for academics and executives interested in the analysis of social networks both from a Western and Eastern view.