Soc Networks. 2012 Jul 01;34(3):309-322. doi: 10.1016/j.socnet.2010.03.001.

Modelling the evolution of a bi-partite network Peer referral in interlocking directorates.

Social networks

Johan Koskinen, Christofer Edling

PMID: 24944435 PMCID: PMC4059769 DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2010.03.001

Abstract

A central part of relational ties between social actors are constituted by shared affiliations and events. The action of joint participation reinforces personal ties between social actors as well as mutually shared values and norms that in turn perpetuate the patterns of social action that define groups. Therefore the study of bipartite networks is central to social science. Furthermore, the dynamics of these processes suggests that bipartite networks should not be considered static structures but rather be studied over time. In order to model the evolution of bipartite networks empirically we introduce a class of models and a Bayesian inference scheme that extends previous stochastic actor-oriented models for unimodal graphs. Contemporary research on interlocking directorates provides an area of research in which it seems reasonable to apply the model. Specifically, we address the question of how tie formation, i.e. director recruitment, contributes to the structural properties of the interlocking directorate network. For boards of directors on the Stockholm stock exchange we propose that a prolific mechanism in tie formation is that of peer referral. The results indicate that such a mechanism is present, generating multiple interlocks between boards.

Keywords: Bayesian analysis; Bipartite graphs; Interlocking directorates; Longitudinal network data; Prediction; Stochastic actor-oriented models

References

1. Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys. 2001 Aug;64(2 Pt 2):026118 - PubMed
2. Ann Appl Stat. 2010 Jun 1;4(2):567-588 - PubMed

Publication Types

• Journal Article

Grant support

• R01 HD052887/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States
• R01 HD052887-01A2/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States