Origin of Network Theory

A social network includes a set of actors (nodes) and the relationship (ties) between these actors. A Social network created by communication among these nodes and groups of nodes. Social network analysis studies the formal, informal and emergent relationship behavior of people or groups In 1954, Barnes coined the credible concept of social networks. It is also known as Network Analysis, Social Network Analysis, Social Network Theory. Social Network is Complex set of relationships between members of social systems at all scales, from interpersonal to international. Causal pressures are inherent in social structure. Network analysis is a set of methods for detecting and measuring the magnitude of the pressures. It Studies Properties of units between and within units and not properties of these units. Rogers characterizes a communication network as consisting of “interconnected individuals who are linked by patterned communication flows” (1986). A communication network analysis studies “the interpersonal linkages created by the sharing of information in the interpersonal communication structure” (1986), that is, the network. Network analysis focuses on the relationships between people, instead of on characteristics of people. The feelings people have for each other, the exchange of information, or more tangible exchanges such as goods and money. Uncovers Emergent and Informal communication pattern in an organization comparing with formal pattern. Post of a employee influences their exposure to and control over information. Patterns of relationships bring employees into contact with the attitudes and behaviors of other organizational members, these relationships may also help to explain why employees develop certain attitudes toward organizational events or job-related matters

Example: Rogers and Kincaid studied in Korea how women in a small village organized themselves to improve the general living conditions for themselves and their families