Communicating in NetworksBrendan Sullivan

Introduction

Shift from face-to-face to virtual networksEmergent, informal, and interdependentNetworks are crucial for communication

Small-Group Communication Networks

Groups of five peopleFour types of small-group communication:

◦Circle◦Wheel◦Chain◦All-Channel

Small Group Communication Networks

A

B

C

DE

Circle

A

B C

ED

Wheel

A B C D E

Chain A

B

C

DEAll-Channel

Emergent Communication Networks

Grow from formal/informal communicationEmphasis on connections between peopleSo-called organizational “grapevine”Referred to as the “rumor mill”

Analyzing Communication Networks

Informal communication is fluidFormal communication is infrequentEmergent communication concerns

◦Overall patterns of interaction◦Communication network roles◦Content of communication networks

Analyzing Communication Networks

Patterns of Interaction◦Cliques emerge as a result of communication◦Communication networks vary widely in density◦Density influences employees◦Extraorganizational networks

Contacts from the industry or community

Analyzing Communication Networks

Communication Network Roles◦Affects one’s experience of work◦The more connected, the more secure◦Four types of communication roles in networks:

The isolate Group member Bridge Liaison

Analyzing Communication Networks

Content of Communication Networks◦Develop around specific topics of communication◦Important in terms of sense-making process◦Group members are in the mainstream◦The isolates hold radically different interpretations

Interorganizational Communication Networks

Enduring transactions, flows, and linkagesVary in openness, density, interdependenceSensitive to environmental jolts

◦Affecting the entire companyOne company provides serviceThe other provides delivery of a productCommunication can occur through inter-

company hiring

Interorganizational Communication Networks

Organizations are likely to turn to alliances◦Mergers◦Acquisitions◦Joint ventures

Interorganizational groups are great for dialogue

The Networked Society

Definition of “network” is always changingGlobal communication is now online

◦Information seeking◦Relational development

Thousands of virtual gathering places◦MySpace, Facebook, Twitter

The Networked Society

The bad side…◦Critics mourn the demise of local communities◦Potentially disastrous consequences◦Online terrorism

Recruiting Staying connected with new members

Networks and the NWSF

The NWSF needed network communicationFacebook/TwitterAllows reach to a larger audience

◦Globally◦Demographically