Research

The primary function of the LINKS Center is to do research on social networks in an organizational context. Under the leadership of Professor Dan Brass, the members and affiliates of the LINKS center are working on such questions as:

• How do social networks in organizations influence power, leadership, career advancement, performance, turnover, conflict, innovation, and the success of organizational alliances and mergers?
• How do social networks influence the successful implementation of "Enterprise systems," which are expensive, complex information systems that companies rely upon to improve fundamental business processes within and across organizations?
• What implications do social networks have for the design of organizational supply chains?
• What is the relationship between social networks, corporate culture, and performance in the retail sector?
• How can online social networks be used to help the physically handicapped overcome barriers to interpersonal coordination?
• What is the impact of social networks among scientists on the production of scientific knowledge?
• What is the role played by social networks in explaining differential access to venture capital funds?
• How do social networks influence the birth, growth, and survivability of small businesses?
• How do social networks influence large-scale issues in the realm of public policy?

• How can social networks be harnessed to deliver better health care?

The members of the Center publish their research in the top journals of the field, and make these publications available through this site.

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