Studying Networks in Complex Problem Domains

Advancing Methods in Boundary Specification

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15748681
AutoresBranda Nowell (0000-0001-9028-311X, North Carolina State University, autor correspondente), Branda L Nowell (North Carolina State University), Anne‐lise K Velez (0000-0002-9396-7063, Virginia Tech), Anne-Lise K Velez (Virginia Tech University), Mary Clare Hano (0000-0001-5828-0138, North Carolina State University), Jayce Sudweeks (0000-0002-8449-169X, North Carolina State University), Kate Albrecht (0000-0002-7765-6986, North Carolina State University), Toddi A Steelman (0000-0001-7492-8635, University of Saskatchewan), Toddi Steelman (University of Saskatchewan)
Ano2018
Data de publicação2018-03-12
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoPerspectives on Public Management and Governance (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2398-4910 • E-ISSN: 2398-4929
EditoraOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/ppmgov/gvx015
OpenAlexW2795152433
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas8
Referências citadas24

The application of network perspectives and methods to study complex problem and policy domains has proliferated in the public management literature. Network metrics are highly sensitive to boundary decisions as findings are a direct reflection of who and what was considered to be part of the network. The more complex the problem domain, the messier the network and the more challenging it is for researchers to determine network boundaries. Laumann, Marsden, and Prensky’s seminal (1989) article on network bounding highlighted the theoretical and methodological significance associated with determinations of network boundaries in social network research. However, despite an expansion of network scholarship, the advancement of frameworks aimed at assisting scholars in thinking through the relative advantages and disadvantages of different boundary determinations has received limited attention. This article addresses this gap. Drawing insights from three network studies, we argue that problem domain characteristics and concerns such as formal structures, isolates, disconnected subgroups and/or the duration of the ties will be differentially emphasized with different boundary approaches. We leverage these insights to advance a framework for aiding network scholars working in complex problem domains to consider the strengths and limitations of varied bounding approaches in relation to the question at hand

Boundary (topology · Complex network · Data science · Economic geography · Economics · Law and economics · Management science · Mathematical analysis · Political science · Public economics · Public relations · Sociology · World Wide Web · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Computer Science · Information Systems Theories and Implementation · Information Technology Governance and Strategy · Mathematics