Relational Dynamics Between Researchers: A Social Network Analysis Perspective
Abstract
The objective of this research is to analyze as well as to understand the performance of a social network integrated by researchers of a postgraduate department of a Mexican public university. The actors that are analyzed in this research actively participate in thesis projects (advisors and examiners). This study includes, on first place, the analysis of labor relationships established by professors based on their experiences as collaborators in thesis-projects. On second place, this study examines the strength of professors’ social relationships (ties), as well as their mutual support and assistance relationships. This study is based on the social network analysis approach. Our findings show that there is a clusterization in the researchers’ group and as a consequence exist several groups of researchers that determine an informal structure different from the defined formal structure. The results indicate strong support for the fact that the informal structure guides the development of the research activities of the department. Data reveals that strategic or key actors exist and, consequently, members do not participate in homogenous nor equitable way in the development of academic work.
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