Multiplexity occurs in entrepreneurial networks when flows interact within and across relationships. It defines how these networks function and evolve and cannot be examined by studying network structure or flows separately. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of multiplexity, related research has remained limited and lacks an integrated approach to simultaneously examine structure and flows, thus restricting our understanding of entrepreneurial networks. We propose an integrated approach for conducting inductive studies into multiplexity, involving an adaptation of the “business networks” conceptual model, the configuration theory perspective, and the Q-analysis method.

1. MULTIPLEXITY IN SOCIAL
NETWORKS
Ian P. McCarthy
Beedie School of Business
Ian_mccarthy@sfu.ca

2. BASED ON THE FOLLOWING RESEARCH:
Bliemel, M. J., McCarthy, I. P., &
Maine, E. (2014). An Integrated
Approach to Studying Multiplexity in
Entrepreneurial Networks.
Entrepreneurship Research Journal,
4(4), 367-402.
Access the full paper here. Twitter: @Toffeemen68

3. MULTIPLEXITY
• Multiplexity is the interaction
of exchanges within and
across relationships (Bliemel
et al 2014)
• A connection between two
people is multiplex when
those people interact in
multiple different contexts
(Bliemel et al 2014)
A SIMPLEX
Money
Investor Entrepreneur
A MULTIPLEX
Money
Advice
Love
Investor Entrepreneur

4. MULTIPLEXITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
• Stelios Haji-Ioannou is an
entrepreneur best known for
setting up EasyJet.
• One of his multiplex
connections was with Loucas
Haji-Ioannou, who was both
his father and an investor who
provided start-up funds for the
EasyJet venture.

5. MULTIPLEXITY, PROFESSIONS AND LOVE
• Brad Pitt and
Angelina Jolie
worked together
and dated each
other on the set
of the movie Mr.
and Mrs. Smith.
• Their interactions
included being
co-workers and
lovers

6. MULTIPLEXITY, INNOVATION AND EMPLOYERS
• Gatorade was
formulated in 1965 by
a team of researchers
at the University of
Florida for the
university football
team.
• The relationships and
interactions between
the university and
researchers included:
employer, consumer,
investor and IP owner.

7. SOME MULTIPLEXITY RESEARCH QUESTIONS?
• How does multiplexity shape the structure and
flows in networks?
• Which is better (e.g., more valuable or more
durable)? A multiplex based on a social
interaction first, then followed by professional
interactions? Or vice versa?
• What are the economic, ethical and legal trade-offs
associated with building and managing
multiplex connections?
• What are the implications of actor multiplexity
(i.e., the who), resource multiplexity (i.e., the
what) and activity multiplexity (i.e., the how)?

8. THINK MULTIPLEXITY
Bliemel, M. J., McCarthy, I. P., & Maine, E. (2014). An Integrated
Approach to Studying Multiplexity in Entrepreneurial Networks.
Entrepreneurship Research Journal, 4(4), 367-402
ACTOR MULTIPLEXITY
Who is in the network?
RESOURCE
MULTIPLEXITY
What is exchanged and
transformed in the
network?
ACTIVITY MULTIPLEXITY
How are resources
transformed and
exchanged in the network?
Actors control resources.
Resources attract actors.
Actors perform activities.
Activities involve actors.
NETWORK
Activities transform or
exchange resources.
Resources enable or inhibit
activities.