Hierarchical social networks and information flow

Luis López, Jose F.F. Mendes and Miguel A.F Sanjuán

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 2002, vol. 316, issue 1, 695-708

Abstract: Using a simple model for the information flow on social networks, we show that the traditional hierarchical topologies frequently used by companies and organizations, are poorly designed in terms of efficiency. Moreover, we prove that this type of structures are the result of the individual aim of monopolizing as much information as possible within the network. As the information is an appropriate measurement of centrality, we conclude that this kind of topology is so attractive for leaders, because the global influence each actor has within the network is completely determined by the hierarchical level occupied.

Keywords: Social networks; Information flow; Hierarchical networks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2002
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:316:y:2002:i:1:p:695-708

DOI: 10.1016/S0378-4371(02)01333-X

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