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Leaders' Networking Behaviours in a Time of Crisis: A Qualitative Study on the Frontline against COVID‐19

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  • Stefano Tasselli
  • Alessandro Sancino

Abstract

What do leaders do when they interact with followers and stakeholders in a time of crisis? What networking behaviours do leaders manifest in such a context of emergency? We answer these questions through qualitative research and cluster analysis conducted on a sample of leaders involved in community management in the most affected region in northern Italy during the three key phases of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our findings span a period of 18‐months and show that leaders display a behavioural repertoire that includes six networking actions. Grouped together, these actions identify three clusters of leaders: Churners, who engage mainly in network generation and network termination; Divergent leaders, who manifest high levels of network conflict and re‐construal; and Sense‐makers, who are high in network deepening and teleology. Our research contributes to unveil the idiographic micro‐foundations of networking behaviour during organizational jolts.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Tasselli & Alessandro Sancino, 2023. "Leaders' Networking Behaviours in a Time of Crisis: A Qualitative Study on the Frontline against COVID‐19," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(1), pages 120-173, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:jomstd:v:60:y:2023:i:1:p:120-173
    DOI: 10.1111/joms.12884
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    References listed on IDEAS

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