From Micro-Actions to Macro-Structure: A Structurational Approach to the Evolution of Organizational Networks

Authors:

• Robert C. Whitbred (Cleveland State University)
• Fabio Fonti (Boston College)
• Noshir S. Contractor (Northwestern University)
• Christian Steglich (University of Groningen)

Abstract:

This paper argues social network analysis may be integrated with structuration theory to better understand the emergence of communication networks. Hypotheses are tested with longitudinal data using actor-oriented models. Results suggest factors external to a social network influence the emergence of structure, structures which emerge from the aggregate of individual actions in previous time periods predict current structures, and the influence of reifications of the structure is greater than that of the external factors.