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

Social Network Analysis In Multiple‐case Studies: Promises, Evidence, Challenges And Tentative Solutions For ‘better Stories And Better Constructs’Oliveira, NunoNetwork CharacteristicsMethods, Data, Management, theory‐buildingWED.PM1Social network analysis in multiple‐case study research has increased exponentially in the management literature, mainly owing to the promise that such ablend can better explain mechanisms underlying network configurations, and contribute to ‘better stories and better constructs’ (Eisenhardt, 1991). Whileboundary specification and its hazards are well‐documented in the social networks literature (Freeman, White et al. 1992; Wickesberg, 1968), we know littleabout boundary specification at two levels: boundaries of multiple case‐studies; and, the boundaries of the social network configuration being studied in eachcase. This paper presents evidence from published work which suggests that some ties are directly connected to more than one case within a set of cases ‐‘cross‐case ties’. Social network analysis in multiple‐case studies provides insights into network processes; however, it faces the challenge of boundary(mis)specification – the occurrence of ‘cross‐case ties’ increases the likelihood of misinterpretation, and may weaken the validity of stories and constructs. Thispaper presents the implications of ‘cross‐case ties’ for both internal and external validity of reported findings. Finally, tentative solutions to address theboundary (mis)specification problem are discussed.Social Network Analysis Outcomes For A Cancer Disparities Community Network PartnershipLuque, John S.; Martinez Tyson, Dinorah; Bynum, Shalanda A.; Noel‐Thomas, Shalewa; Gwede, Clement K.; Meade, Cathy D.Poster SessionInter‐organizational Networks, Whole Networks, Public Health, CommunitySAT.PM3The Tampa Bay Community Cancer Network (TBCCN) is one of the National Cancer Institute’s Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities’ Community NetworkProgram sites tasked to form a sustainable community‐based coalition network focused on the goal of reducing cancer health disparities among racial/ethnicminority and medically underserved populations. The current network includes 22 local community partner organizations and covers a tri‐county area incentral Florida. In addition, four funded community‐based participatory research pilot projects with academic and community partners have either beencompleted or are currently in progress, covering research topics such as culturally tailored colorectal and prostate cancer screening education, patientnavigation for Latinas with cervical cancer, and community perceptions of biobanking. This poster reports network outcomes from social network analysissurvey evaluation results to show the varying roles of community partners in the network, involving education, training, and research. Analysis of three yearsof social network data (2007‐2009) found a trend toward increased network decentralization based on betweenness centrality measures and mean number ofoverall linkages, suggesting network sustainability. Degree centrality, trust, and multiplexity exhibited more modest gains over the time period. Through socialnetwork analysis, we can better evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of TBCCN to foster continued sustainability and trust in the network. Currently, we areplanning a comprehensive baseline assessment for the second five‐year phase of TBCCN in order to evaluate the expanded partnership network, with anemphasis on more community‐based intervention research.