Sunbelt XXXI International Network for Social Network ... - INSNA

Modeling Real World Interpersonal NetworksPfeffer, Jürgen; Carley, Kathleen M.Simulation and Agent Based ModelsSimulation, Real World Networks, Algorithms, Modeling, Random Networks, Interpersonal NetworksFRI.PM1Rumors, new ideas, and attitudes spread though groups of people via interpersonal communication. One approach to simulating these diffusion processes is togenerate random networks. Normally, the algorithms by Erdos/Renyi (1959), Watts/Strogatz (1998), and Barabasi/Albert (1999) are used to that end. However,the structure of the network is an important parameter for the pattern of diffusion. Therefore, the model has to fit the properties of the corresponding system.The basic questions for this presentation are: What are the characteristics of real world interpersonal networks, and which random network algorithm fitsthese characteristics? Based on this examination, a new algorithm is introduced to model the diffusion of information, opinions, and messages in real worldsocial networks by interpersonal communication. Our work also shows the connectivity of empirically collected ego networks and algorithmically generatedoverall networks, and offers correspondences between the micro and the macro level.Modeling The Emergence Of Distributed Leadership Using SienaEmery, CécileLeadership NetworksLongitudinal, Complexity, Leadership, SienaSAT.PM1Traditional models of leadership have recently been challenged by a growing sentiment that they failed to completely represent and understand the dynamic,distributed, and contextual nature of leadership. To overcome this limitation, a greater number of scholars aim at basing their approach on complexity theorywhich suggests that leadership should be framed as a complex, interactive, and dynamic event which emerges from relational interactions among all groupmembers. This study is an attempt to merge complexity theory, leadership approaches, and longitudinal network analysis to investigate complex process ofleadership emergence in groups. Based on the model of distributed leadership, leadership is represented as a network of leadership perceptions, where nodesand ties represent actors and leadership perceptions respectively. When captured over time, the emergence of leadership networks can be investigated usingSIENA. Actor‐oriented models’ specifications implicitly combine different, but complementary, approaches to leadership. Actor‐oriented models allow tosimultaneously reveal how formal and informal relationships (relational approach to leadership), leaders’ and followers’ characteristics (leader‐centered andfollower‐centered approaches), and group processes (social construction of leadership) affect the social process of leadership emergence. Such complex,dynamic, and relational approach to leadership emergence has the potential to make a substantive contributions on leadership emergence and to providepractical implications to leaders embedded in a complex environment.