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Theories of
Communication Networks Peter R. Monge,
Noshir S. Contractor |
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Multiple theories at multiple
levels, along with attributes of nodes and the links among them, can help us
understand how communication and other organizational networks are created, maintained,
dissolved, and reconstituted. Theories of Communication Networks offers a new theoretical approach
to the study of social networks. First, it develops a Multitheoretical
model that employs different social theories to explain different network
properties. Second, the Multilevel model provides a network decomposition
that applies social theories at all network levels, from individuals through
entire |
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networks. Third, the book develops an
agent-based network computer simulation environment, Blanche, to
generate and test network theories and hypotheses. Fourth, it presents recent
developments in network statistical analysis, the p*family, which
provides a basis for valid multilevel statistical inferences regarding
network hypotheses. Finally, the book shows how to relate communication
networks to other social networks, thus providing the basis for studying the
emergence of dynamic organizational networks. |