Network dynamics and cooperation in organizations. A relational signaling perspective

It is argued that network scholars still underexploit signaling theory, and that current theories of the link between network dynamics and cooperation are incomplete when applied to organizations. I first reconstruct the key assumptions of general social network theories (GNTs). Drawing on a relational signaling framework, I then sketch the contours of an organizational social network theory (ONT). Longitudinal organizational network research on interpersonal trust, gossip, advice, and punishment is used to assess the empirical validity of contrasting predictions following from both approaches. The results favor a signaling explanation. Implications for a research agenda on signaling in social networks are explored.