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The Genesis and Dynamics of Organizational Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Gautam Ahuja

    (Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109)

  • Giuseppe Soda

    (Department of Management and SDA Bocconi School of Management, Bocconi University, 20136 Milan, Italy)

  • Akbar Zaheer

    (Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455)

Abstract

An extensive body of knowledge exists on network outcomes and on how network structures may contribute to the creation of outcomes at different levels of analysis, but less attention has been paid to understanding how and why organizational networks emerge, evolve, and change. Improved understanding of network dynamics is important for several reasons, perhaps the most critical being that the understanding of network outcomes is only partial without an appreciation of the genesis of the network structures that resulted in such outcomes. To provide a context for the papers in this special issue, and with the broader goal of furthering network dynamics research, we present a framework that begins by discussing the meaning and role of network dynamics and goes on to identify the drivers and key dimensions of network change as well as the role of time in this process. We conclude with theoretical and methodological issues that researchers need to address in this domain.

Suggested Citation

  • Gautam Ahuja & Giuseppe Soda & Akbar Zaheer, 2012. "The Genesis and Dynamics of Organizational Networks," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 23(2), pages 434-448, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:23:y:2012:i:2:p:434-448
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1110.0695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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