Learning from Patient 31 case: a cross-cultural perspective of corporate networks’ diffusion ability in Latin America

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18568/internext.v18i1.698

Keywords:

COVID-19, Patient 31, social networks, power and influence, corporate networks, interlocking directorates, Latin America, cross-cultural management

Abstract

Objective: This paper has the purpose to discuss how corporate networks’ big linkers constitute a development opportunity area in Latin America. Method: We employ a qualitative analysis that blends social networks literature and builds on interlocking directorates (IntDs) theory with a fascinating case study labeled the ‘Patient 31’ phenomenon that occurred during the coronavirus outbreak in South Korea. Main results: We generate managerial and conceptual insights on the diffusion processes of business practices, which have a series of profound implications for theory and practice on how corporate networks present differences in their diffusion ability. Relevance/Originality: Viral contagion processes are not a secret for health sciences, but they are still underresearched in the context of managerial practices regarding diffusion processes. The COVID-19 virus has been (and is) a significant threat for global health since the beginning of 2020, as well as an operational challenge for almost every organization around the world. Theoretical/Methodological contributions: The results highlight the superspreaders’ high diffusion power, warn about the risks of including ‘Patient 31’- type of spreaders as members of the firms’ boards, and also provide recommendations on how policy makers could harness this diffusion ability over the organizational networks.

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Author Biographies

Miguel Cordova, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

Associate Professor of Management at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), Peru. Ph.D in Strategic Management and Sustainability. His research interests are Power and Influence in Organizations, Sustainability, Sustainable Supply Chain Management, and Entrepreneurship. He was a visiting professor at INSEEC Business School in Paris, UDD in Santiago, ESADE in Barcelona, and UDEM in Monterrey. He is Associate Editor of the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (Emerald), and Deputy Editor of 360 Journal of Management Sciences.

Cristina Sambrook, University of Birmingham

Associate Professor, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, UK. Director of the Executive MBA; research interests in Management (Cross Cultural Communication / Management, Leadership) and Marketing (Global Marketing). Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK.

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2022-12-08

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Cordova, M., & Sambrook, C. (2022). Learning from Patient 31 case: a cross-cultural perspective of corporate networks’ diffusion ability in Latin America. Internext - International Business and Management Review, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.18568/internext.v18i1.698

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Special Issue: International Business in Latin America & Caribbean