Doctoral Dissertation Research: The Emergence of Cooperation in Exchange Networks

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9400718 Markovsky This is an award under the Grants for Improving Doctoral Dissertation Research Program. It is an experimental laboratory study of the emergence of cooperation in exchange networks. Previous research has focused on positional power, and on how those actors in high power positions can gain resource advantages despite the actions of other actors in the network. However, power advantages in some networks require a degree of coordination between actors in different network positions in order to be realized. Some network structures induce this coordination; other inhibit it. The present research will: 1) test a new theoretical extension of network exchange theory based on this idea of interactive power; 2) investigate the effects of structural variations and levels of communication on the emergence of cooperation between self interested actors in exchange networks, and 3) test a measure of relational power that shows the temporary effects on power of the pattern of use of different relations in a network. %%% This experiment contributes to structural social psychology, developing and testing additions to a widely-accepted theoretical approach. Although the research is abstract, the theoretical principles are believed to apply to work groups, families, and decision-making bureaucracies, so scientific advances may contribute indirectly to improvements in administrative and management techniques. In addition to the scientific gains to be achieved by the research, this award will materially assist a highly promising student in completing research for the Ph.D. dissertation. Thus it contributes to the future scientific manpower of the nation and the thorough training of the next generation of social scientists. ***