Network Dynamics and Organizations: A Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

This paper reviews the growing body of work on network dynamics in organizational research, focusing on a corpus of 187 articles—both “micro” (i.e., interpersonal) and “macro” (i.e., interorganizational)—published between 2007 and 2020. We do not see “network dynamics” as a single construct; rather, it is an umbrella term covering a wide territory. In the first phase of our two-phase review, we present a taxonomy that organizes this territory into three categories: (1) network change (i.e., the emergence, evolution, and transformation of network ties and structures), the occurrence of relational events (i.e., modeling the sequence of discrete actions generated by one actor and directed towards one or more other actors), and (3) coevolution (i.e., the process whereby network and actor attributes influence each other over time). Our review highlights differences between network dynamics based on relational states (e.g., a friendship) and relational events (e.g., an email message), examines the drivers and effects of network dynamics, and in a methodological appendix, clarifies the assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of different analytical approaches for studying network dynamics. In the second phase of our review, we critically reflect on the findings from the first phase and sketch out a rough agenda for future research, organized in terms of four overarching themes: the interplay between the dynamics of social networks conceived as relational states and relational events, mechanisms underlying network dynamics, outcomes of network dynamics, and the role of cognition.

Leaders' Networking Behaviours in a Time of Crisis: A Qualitative Study on the Frontline against COVID‐19

“…Churners have already been described by previous conceptual and empirical research with focus on interpersonal and intra‐organizational network dynamics (e.g., Sasovova et al, 2010 ; for a recent review, see Chen et al, 2022 ). Conscious of the limited novelty of the contribution provided by the analysis of this cluster, we still illustrate the actual behaviour of these leaders, who are particularly active in forming and dissolving ties with followers and other stakeholders.…”

“…How can I find the protection material that I need? Tasselli et al, 2020) and broadening of the range of one's local network (Soda et al, 2021), as a key change in a leader's structure over time (for a recent review, see Chen et al, 2022). Moreover, classic network research analysed structural change in the contingent aftermath of an organizational 'jolt', with specific focus on ego-network change (e.g., Sasovova et al, 2010) and on change in structural configurations (Barley, 1986) and power distribution in organizations (Burkhardt and Brass, 1990).…”

Workplace gossip and the evolution of friendship relations: the role of complex contagion

“…Friendships, however, are seldom static. After several decades of scholarship on the topic (Chen et al 2022;Doreian and Stokman 1997;Salancik 1995), there is already a sizeable body of knowledge about the mechanisms behind the creation and transformation of friendship networks.…”

“…Like in most settings, social networks in organizations are dynamic. New friendships form between previously unconnected individuals, while pre-existing links can demote, and some of them are lost (Chen et al 2022;Doreian and Stokman 1997;Salancik 1995). The mechanisms facilitating tie-creation are well-established and include: friendship reciprocation, closeness, preferential attachment, shared social focus, and some form of assortative mixing (Block 2018;Feld 1981;Lazarsfeld and Merton 1954;McPherson et al 2001;Merton 1973;Newcomb 1956;Rivera et al 2010).…”

Social network analysis and its applications to school psychology: A tutorial.

“…Alternative approaches have been utilized to address these concerns, many of which are shown in articles in this special issue. Such approaches that do not require the assumption of independence include bootstrapping tests, utilizing stochastic modeling when examining longitudinal networks, and nonparametric tests for regressions that include network metrics (Chen et al, 2022; Neal & Neal, 2017). As with any analysis, the choice of approach depends on the research questions and the characteristics of the data (Neal & Neal, 2017).…”