Social-Contagion or Self-Selection? A Longitudinal Network Analysis of the Evolution of Trust Among Educational Leaders

• In Event: Understanding the Multifaceted Dynamics of Educational Environments: From Climate to Culture, and Collaboration

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of expertise networks and the associated trusting behavior among educational leaders over a four-year period in a mid-size urban school district in the U.S. Utilizing social capital theory, the study conceptualizes trust as a valuable resource emerging from social interactions. Employing quantitative social network analysis, the paper investigates whether social contagion (behavior spread through influence) or self-selection (leaders forming networks based on shared characteristics) predominantly drive network dynamics and trust changes. The coevolution model reveals that both self-selection and social-contagion mechanisms play roles in leaders’ social network dynamics and trusting behavior changes, underscoring the relevance of identifying underlying mechanisms for designing effective interventions to foster collaboration and leadership within educational institutions.

Authors

• Daniela Edith Luengo-Aravena, Spencer Foundation

• Kara S. Finnigan, University of Michigan

• Alan J. Daly, University of California - San Diego