Abstract
The article encompasses the description of selected issues related to the dynamics of organizational networks. Referring to issues related to the chaos theory, the factors stabilizing and destabilizing cooperation within organizational networks have been discussed, and subsequently, the concepts and selected models of the dynamics of organizational networks have been presented. In the further part, the article presents the problem of defining boundaries of networks, indicating the controversies and approaches related to this issue.
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Notes
- 1.
A dynamic system is a pair (X,T) where X is a certain set (referred to as a phase space), and T is a group or a semi-group of X transformations into itself. In the classic example of a cascade, these are the iterations of a single transformation (then T denotes this transformation). Usually, the space X is provided with some kind of structure, and the transformations of the T group retain this structure. The theory of dynamical systems is an interdisciplinary field in which the research methods from many branches of mathematics are applied. It is a theory that has rapidly developed over the last few decades, and it competes successfully in terms of applications for describing and predicting phenomena occurring in the reality with statistical and even numeric methods.
- 2.
Both the practice and the research results indicate the diversity of factors that underpin the development of the network. However, none of them can be considered as dominant. One can rather talk about a set of interacting factors that generate the dynamics on the basis of feedback. Furthermore, with the development of the network, its different components become meaningful and for various reasons their strength over time can vary. Critical factors of the development of networks affecting their dynamics include among others: proximity to the market of purchasers, availability of skilled workforce, proximity to other enterprises, facilitated access to the research sphere, image, and reputation of the geographical area, access to regional and international transport networks, availability of lands and premises, support of public administration (e.g. financial support for functioning and/or projects), proximity to raw materials, presence of facilitations in the field of supporting activities.
- 3.
Feedbacks determine the behavior of the system; there are behavioral patterns of systems based on those feedbacks. Observations concerning the feedback loops were presented by Forrester (1958), who stated that the simple reinforcing (positive) or weakening (negative) feedback loops generate behaviors different than expected. The behavioral patterns of systems based on both positive and negative feedbacks can be used to examine any system, as various systems may show and often show the same behaviors, despite the completely different nature of the problems occurring in them. In the case of organizational networks (in a dynamic sense), network relationships include feedbacks of activities which create new values and constitute the essence of improving the operation conditions of the entire network. Relationships of subjects cause specific positive effects of a spontaneous nature that are somehow unconsciously absorbed by the participants. They can also be a source of multiplied benefits, but then they require from members of networks taking active measures in order to obtain additional value.
- 4.
It should be added that the descriptions of organizational network development presented earlier in the literature (e.g. Porter 1990) describe its development only within a certain time period. It is impossible to draw conclusions on their basis, either about the past or the future of a network organization. These are the so-called kinetic descriptions of network organization development which do not explain the manner in which this development occurs.
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Acknowledgement
The article was developed in the framework of the project entitled: Model assessment of efficiency of business networks. The project was funded by the National Science Centre allocated on the basis of the decision number DEC-2013/11/B/HS4/01030.
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Barczak, B. (2018). Selected Aspects of Network Structure Dynamics. In: Bilgin, M., Danis, H., Demir, E., Can, U. (eds) Eurasian Business Perspectives. Eurasian Studies in Business and Economics, vol 8/1. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67913-6_14
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