  The process $\gamma p \to \phi p$ close to threshold is investigated focusing
on the role played by the {\it s}- and {\it u}-channel nucleonic resonances.
For this purpose, a recent quark model approach, based on the $SU(6)\otimes
O(3)$ symmetry with an effective Lagrangian, is extended to the $\phi$ meson
photoproduction. Another non-diffractive process, the {\it t}-channel $\pi^0$
exchange, is also included. The diffractive contribution is produced by the
{\it t}-channel Pomeron exchange. Contributions from non-diffractive {\it s}-
and {\it u}-channel process are found small in the case of cross sections and
polarization observables at forward angles. However, backward angle
polarization asymmetries show high sensitivity to this non-diffractive process.
Different prescriptions to keep gauge invariance for the Pomeron exchange
amplitudes are investigated. Possible deviations from the exact $SU(6)\otimes
O(3)$ symmetry, due to the configuration mixing, are also discussed.
