Joined by remoteness: An exploratory comparison of regional board networks in Sweden

Abstract

Studies of the global corporate elite have shown how networks of board interlocks form among large companies around the world. With interest in the conditions for businesses in the periphery, this exploratory study describes differences in regional board networks by comparing remote and central regions in Sweden. The regions share national culture, language and legislation and have similar demographics. We study business contexts far from the international spotlight and include all companies, not just the very largest, to capture the diversity of geographically dispersed business communities in Sweden. Findings suggest that being peripheral in a geographical sense can prove beneficial in terms of board network structure. The regional board networks in the remote regions are more inclusive and less fragmented, thus showing structural characteristics associated with the more effective spread of information. The regional networks formed in the geographic periphery thus appear to be beneficial for business. The findings in this exploratory story indicate that companies in the geographic periphery can be joined by remoteness.