Research on social networks has grown considerably in the last decade. However, there is a certain amount of confusion about network theory—for example, what it is, distinctive it, and how to generate new theory. This paper attempts remedy situation by clarifying fundamental concepts field (such as network) characterizing reasoning works. We start considering definition network, noting some caused two different perspectives, which we refer realist nominalist. then analyze well-known...

We present a theory of social capital dynamics. In particular, we examine how individuals in organizations respond to events such as performance evaluations by changing whom they interact with and the extent which utilize their contacts. argue that positive feedback from supervisors increases levels self-efficacy results creation new well increased utilization existing (i.e., forming ties sources information aid, increasing interactions contacts). addition, negative decreases self-efficacy,...

This paper presents results from a study that identified patterns of social interaction among small farmers in three agricultural subsectors Bolivia—fish culture, peanut production, and quinoa production—and analyzed how influences farmers' behavior toward the adoption pro-poor innovations. Twelve microregions were identified, four each subsector, setting terrain for an analysis parts networks deal with diffusion specific sets Three hundred sixty involved theses as well 60 change agents...

In this article, the authors explore use of graph layout algorithms for visualizing proximity matrices such as those obtained in cultural domain analysis. Traditionally, multidimensional scaling has been used purpose. The compare two approaches to identify conditions when each approach is effective. As might be expected, they find that shines data are low dimensionality and compatible with defining characteristics Euclidean distances, symmetry triangle inequality constraints. However, one...

Research on social networks has grown considerably in the last decade. However, there is a certain amount of confusion about network theory — for example, what it is, distinctive it, and how to generate new theory. This paper attempts remedy situation by clarifying fundamental concepts field (such as network) characterizing reasoning works. We start considering definition network, noting some caused two different perspectives, which we refer realist nominalist. then analyze well-known...

We extend the theorization of organizations as social actors to illuminate how external attributions actorhood are made by business media and these associated with heightened environmental paradoxes confronting organizations. analyze visual depictions on 530 covers an influential periodical, BusinessWeek (BW) magazine, over a 30-year period, 1978–2007. present evidence that depiction organizational increased time this occurred more frequently in periods characterized paradoxical tensions...

In this article, we seek to recast scholarly thinking about workplace relationships by exploring their lasting value. Drawing on a two-wave survey study, find that ties with former coworkers have positive relationship individuals' social integration into new workplaces. We further explore why individuals maintain such ties, focusing the effects of being hired and employed at particular points in time. Age-at-hire has an inverted curvilinear number one maintains, peak corresponds midlife...

Summary Social ties with high‐status others can be a potent signal of an individual's underlying quality and future promise. Individuals in competitive markets, therefore, have incentive to publicly claim connections others. However, cognitive limitations biases make social network difficult for observers reliably discern, claims go unrecognized by the audience. Our core contention is that affiliation are advantageous only when audience recognizes claim—unrecognized claims, like unreliable...

Background An HIV vaccine could substantially impact the epidemic. However, risk compensation (RC), or post-vaccination increase in behavior, present a major challenge. The methodology used previous studies of has been almost exclusively individual-level focus, and not explored how increased behavior affect connectivity networks. This study examined anticipated vaccine-related RC on structure high-risk drug users' sexual injection network. Methods A sample 433 rural users US provided data...

In this article, we examine the social structure of workplace relationships (both actual and desired ties) in networked distributed work. We focus on role human agency forming networks needed to succeed environment. particular, address how employee work engagement enables individuals occupy network positions that they need order virtual settings. analyze a team within large multinational firm involved software development delivery activities find highly engaged employees have personal are...

A vaccine could substantially impact the HIV epidemic, but inadequate uptake is a serious concern. Unfortunately, people who use drugs, particularly those residing in rural communities, have been underrepresented previous research on acceptability. This study examined acceptability among high-risk drug users community United States.Interviewer-administered questionnaires included questions about risk behavior and attitudes toward vaccination from 433 HIV-negative (76% with history of...

The literature on stewardship theory has focused largely theoretically examining the structural and psychological factors that lead to behavior (i.e., sacrifice of short-term personal gains serve longer-term broadly beneficial ends) in organizations. An underlying assumption this area is such create an organizational context for stewardship, which, turn, generates long-term, positive results organization. We develop test role as a central mechanism can account effect performance. Data...

We offer a theory and measure for determining powerful nodal positions based on potential inter-actor control in “politically charged” networks, which contain both allies adversaries. Power is derived from actors that are dependent the focal actor sociometrically weak, either due to lack of alternative or being threatened by others. create new Political Independence Index (PII), compare it other established measures, illustrate its use setting an international network alliances military...