The Comparison of Networking Strategies for Knowledge Gains

• In Event: 425 - Regular Session. Mathematical Sociology

Abstract

We simulate a number of networking strategies to explore how rational actors pursue gains in knowledge, when knowledge is treated as a scarce resource. The networking strategies include i) pursuit of brokerage; ii) pursuit of knowledge experts; iii) pursuit of network homogeneity; and iv) pursuit of network closure. All strategies are drawn from the literature on the rational use of networks for resource gains. Our results indicate that, contrary to expectations, pursuit of brokerage and pursuit of network homogeneity lead to very similar successful results: both strategies showed actors gaining high amounts of knowledge at roughly the same rate. In contrast, pursuit of knowledge experts resulted in the lowest and must unequal knowledge gains. We discuss these results in the context of theory and research on social networks and resource gains.

Authors

• Christina Prell, University of Maryland

• Tom A.B. Snijders, University of Oxford