The Ties That Nurture: Expressive Simmelian Ties, Instrumental Brokerage, and Individual Performance

In this paper we develop the concept of structural complementarity to explain how individuals’ performance is shaped by their simultaneous positions in structurally distinct networks of different relational nature—specifically, instrumental and expressive networks. Using data from four diverse organizational settings, we demonstrate that the performance advantages of instrumental brokerage are significantly enhanced when individuals are also embedded in cohesive expressive networks characterized by Simmelian ties. These ties provide support, cognitive clarity, and social legitimacy, enabling brokers to better evaluate, mobilize, and act on diverse knowledge. Theoretically, we extend network research by moving beyond tie multiplexity to examine how cross-network structural configurations influence performance outcomes. Practically, our findings offer actionable insights for organizations seeking to design and support network structures that unlock the full value of informal relationships.