As observed by Porter [1] and Enright [2], clusters occupy a key position in the economy
of developed countries, most notably because they bring several benefits resulting from
economic and social factors. Although these authors alert us to the importance of social
capital mechanisms in clustering processes, they fail to fully explore the psychological
and social basis that underlay clusters and clustering processes. In the same vein, while
Porter and Sölvell [3] mention that a cluster allows a shared language, social ties, and a
set of standards and values to develop, they do not fully expand on how such phenomena
develops. Addressing these gaps in the literature, the aim of this study is to investigate
the dimensions (i.e. individual and social) which sustain and nurture the existence of
macro structures (i.e. clusters). In particular, the current research looked at convergence
and divergence mechanisms within a cluster. The exploratory nature of the research
required a case study strategy; for this reason a cluster in the Portuguese textile sector
was chosen. Data from three companies in the same cluster were gathered using several
instruments, namely: a questionnaire, interviews, observation and documentary analysis.
The results show that although the three companies operate in the same cluster, they are
considerably different in terms of commercial orientations as well as cultural and
strategic profiles, which is matched by a low presence of isomorphic mechanisms [4];
this result contradicts that of the Pouder and St. John [5] study. It was also observed that
informal relations in the heart of the cluster are commonplace and that managers’
differences play a role. In this way, they strengthen and motivate the aspects of the
business that unite the cluster.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio