In “The Strength of Weak Ties,”  Granovetter discusses the different connections that help people find jobs.  He says that weak ties are often seen as stemming from alienation; however, they are actually very important to the opportunities of individuals and to their integration into communities.  For example, weak ties often help immigrants find jobs.  Strong ties may lead to overall fragmentation although it may seem as if they foster unity.

One of the topics Granovetter explores is the idea of weak ties strengthening communities.  He says that is all of the people in a clique are only connected to each other then they will be negative affected; however, if they are connected to someone outside of their clique then they will benefit.  He uses the example that if a product is only taken seriously by one clique, then without a weak tie to another group the importance of this product or idea would not be transmitted.  Thus, each group would have to develop the idea in their own group.

Granovetter also relates this idea to trust, saying that people will more likely trust a leader if he has some kind of tie to someone who also know something about this leader and his or her trustworthiness.  On the other hand, leaders may feel more trustworthy or responsive to those who they are connected to within their network whether it be a weak, strong, indirect, or direct tie.