580 California St., Suite 400
San Francisco, CA, 94104
Key research themes
1. How do social relations and motivations shape informal monetary exchanges beyond purely economic gain?
This research area investigates the complex social dynamics, relationships, and motivations that underpin informal monetary transactions, challenging the dominant assumption that such exchanges are mainly market-like and driven solely by economic gain. Understanding the embedded social and cultural contexts broadens conceptualizations of informal exchanges, highlighting their roles in building social capital, reciprocal support, and community solidarity in various socio-spatial settings.
Key finding: This empirical study based on 511 interviews in English cities found that in lower-income neighborhoods paid informal exchanges predominantly occur between friends, neighbors, and relatives for reasons linked to social... Read more
Key finding: This paper introduces and elaborates the concept of 'brift'—a hybrid form of informal exchange in Russia that blends bribery, gift-giving, and social capital building. Drawing on in-depth interviews, it highlights the moral... Read more
Key finding: In the context of informal freight transport in Morocco, this study reveals that despite the absence of formal contracts, exchange relations are regulated by a 'social algorithm' based on interpersonal trust—a key dimension... Read more
2. What roles do personal relationships and social capital play in facilitating and managing informal and business exchanges?
This theme explores how interpersonal ties, social networks, and relational practices influence business interactions, informal exchanges, and organizational dynamics. It highlights the dual (positive and negative) influence of personal contacts on the initiation, development, and transformation of business and informal exchange relationships, as well as how relational practices such as politeness and communication styles impact trust building, cooperation, and information flow across cultural contexts.
Key finding: This article identifies personal contacts as vital across all phases of business relationships, extending beyond initiation to crises and termination. It reveals the dual nature of personal relationships: they can enable... Read more
Key finding: This qualitative study of business meetings in New Zealand and Japan uncovers significant cultural differences in the manifestation and perception of relational practices such as small talk and humor. It shows that relational... Read more
3. How do informal communication media and global cultural contexts impact the expression and negotiation of informal exchanges?
This theme examines the role of technology-mediated communication platforms and cross-cultural dynamics in shaping informal exchanges. It investigates how online chats, web forums, and social information exchanges function as informal exchange arenas, balancing characteristics of both speech and writing to facilitate rapid, socially embedded interactions. It also addresses challenges and strategies for effective social information exchange across cultural boundaries, overcoming language, norm, and cognitive barriers.
Key finding: The paper characterizes online chat as a semi-synchronous communication medium that blends features of spoken and written language, enabling multiple simultaneous conversational threads without strict floor control. It... Read more
Key finding: This comprehensive review conceptualizes social information exchange (SIE) as a process involving both the transfer of information and collective sensemaking. It underscores the complexities introduced by cultural differences... Read more
Key finding: This content analysis of English-language web forums reveals that informal language predominates despite the asynchronous, textual nature of communication. Forums show characteristics blending spoken and written interaction,... Read more