The Gift Exchange in the Social Networks of Silicon Valley
2003, California Management Review, 45(4), pp.120-138
Abstract
Using the analysis of the social networks that underlie the industrial networks of Silicon Valley, this article demonstrates that due to the nature of exchanged goods and the degree of interdependence between the economic actors, gift exchange is the principle rule of exchange in these networks. The principles of "gift exchange" govern the exchange of information among venture capitalists, lawyers, entrepreneurs, corporate managers, journalists and academics.