An Analysis of Clique Formation and Structure in Organisations

Developed a number of testable propositions which relate the variables of compliance, mobility, and size to motivation for clique formation and to constraints within which cliques form. A typology of 5 clique types is presented: (a) coercive, (b) normative, (c) high-mobility utilitarian, (d) seniority utilitarian, and (e) no-mobility utilitarian cliques. The motivational bases and structure of each clique type are described.

Tichy, N. (1973). An analysis of clique formation and structure in organizations. Administrative Science Quarterly, 18(2), 194–208. https://doi.org/10.2307/2392063

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