Files
Abstract
This study sought to identify the most typical timber trade network
structures among Finnish family forest owners. Finding the most typical
networks means that owners’ structural equivalence is defined. From a
forest policy perspective, structurally equivalent owners, i.e. those who have
the same kind of network structure, can be reached in similar ways. Data
were collected via a mail questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to 2084
Finnish family forest owners. Response rate was 59.7. After multiple
imputation, social networks of 753 forest owners were included in the
examination. The four most typical social-network structures in timber trade
were identified through a cluster analysis. The members of FMA-partners
have always connection with an advisor of the local Forest Management
Association (FMA). This connection is often bi-directional and exclusive.
Connections of Independent timber sellers are directed mainly towards a
timber buyer. Relationship builders have the greatest number of connections
compared with other groups. Non-committed FMA-members have a dense
connection with FMA and relationships also with a timber buyer and their
family. Knowledge of owners’ networks helps service providers to offer
support in timber trade and in other concrete decision situations. Service
preferences of the identified owner groups need, however, more in-depth
study.