Overcoming Status Asymmetry: How Low-Status Organizations Sustain Partnerships With Medical Stars

The literature on status provides a valuable theoretical foundation for understanding the contribution of star scientists within organizations. However, existing studies have largely overlooked the challenges of sustaining partnerships between star scientists and lower-status actors. Using a multiple case study design, we examined status-asymmetric partnerships within China’s healthcare system. Evidence from six hospitals revealed that while some hospitals successfully preserved their ties, others struggled. We theorized that the ability of low-status organizations to manage status tensions with high-status actors varies, leading to heterogeneity in their capabilities to leverage the relationship. Healthcare organizations that adeptly navigated these waters underwent distinct processes to reconcile status asymmetries toward status harmony, which involved three stages: (1) status diagnosing, (2) status reconfiguring, and (3) status reciprocating. Additionally, we identified another situation, referred to as status compatibility, in two organizations with a lower level of status asymmetry. Despite investing less effort in managing status asymmetry, these organizations found it easier to collaborate with medical star scientists. Taken together, we discussed theoretical and practical implications for developing status reconciliation capabilities and ensuring the stability of asymmetric partnerships.