(1983). Research Round-Up. Connections, 6 (2) - INSNA

- 3 2-LAUMANN, Edward 0 . (Chicago) and Peter V . MARSDEN (North Carolina) . . "Microstructural Analysis inInterorganizational Systems ."This paper argues that network analyses of interorganizational relations should begin by examining theway in which relations are organized at the local level . It posits that systematic departures fromrandom models for dyad and triad censuses should be found before interpreting structural patternsisolated by analytic techniques concerned with overall network structure . Three principles of organizationalbonding (resource inequality, reciprocity, and redundancy) are identified, and the implicationsof these for dyadic and triadic microstructures are detailed . Particular attention is givento differentiating between mictostructural patterns to be anticipate when a system consists of autonomousactors approximately equal in power and resources and those expected when a system is highlycentralized .ALLEN, Michael Patrick (Washington State) . "The Identification of Interlock Groups in Large CorporateNetworks : Convergent Validation Using Divergent Techniques ."The present study attempts to assess the substantive and theoretical implications of using differentanalytical techniques to identify groups of highly interlocked corporations within large corporatenetworks . Specifically, it compares the interlock goups identified using direct factor analysis withthose identified using hierarchical cluster analysis . A comparison of these two sets of empiricalresults suggests that these two analytical techniques yield surprisingly similar findings even thoughthey employ disparate methodological rationales and computational algorithms . Nevertheless, some minorbut significant differences in the results provided by these two techniques arise as a consequence ofdifferent assumptions implicit in these techniques concerning the possiblity of overlap between interlockgroups . Finally, the convergence of these two analyses confirms that interlock groups are concreteempirical aggregations with in corporate networks which cannot be dismissed as the artifacts of particularanalytical methodologies .GREENBAUM, Susan (South Florida) . "Bridging Ties at the Neighborhood Level ."This paper examines the relevance of the "strength of weak ties" model (Granovetter ]973) in devisingcommunity development strategies for urban neighborhoods . The policy implications of this model foractivities designed to promote neighborhood identification and cohesion are outlined, and Granovetter'sspecific assumptions about the structure and functioning of urban neighborhood social networks areassessed in light of existing research . Little support is found for the presumed absence of bridgingweak ties among urban neighbors, or for the assumption that strong ties create an obstacle to effectivepolitical mobilization in working-class neighborhoods . An alternative model of local-level integrationis suggested, which retains Granovetter's concept of dense clusters of network ties linked by "localbridges", but re-examines the role of weak ties in effecting such bridges .ABSTRACTSTwo papers by Bonnie Erickson (Soc, Toronto) & T .A . Nosanchuk (Soc, Carleton) :"The aZZocation of esteem : a test of Goode 's theory!' Univ of Toronto Structural Analysis ProgrammeWorking Paper No . 48 . 1983 . 51pp . $2 .00Goode argues that esteem is a curvilinear function of performance, while disesteem stems in part fromsubstandard performance . Deviance is also greater the more deviant acts one commits & the more disapprovedthese acts are . Further, performance & deviance may pay off (in esteem & disesteem) at different ratesfor people of different status . Here we test Goode's predictions in a well bounded, well connectedsubculture with a single central form of activity for which performance quality is clearly measurable .His esteem predictions, which are essential to much of his larger argument, are strongly supported .The results for disesteem lead us to modify his argument . We also investigate the possible role ofnetwork size & performance frequency as mechanisms for the translation of performance & deviance intoesteem or disesteem .