Perception accuracy, biases and path dependency in longitudinal social networks.

ABSTRACT: Most studies on perceptions of social structures in organizations rely on cross-sectional evidence and lack a longitudinal perspective. In order to address this gap, we collected whole network perception data at three time points from a cohort of MBA students. First, we asked whether or not individuals become more accurate in their perception of the network over time. We found no significant increase in accuracy. Second, we examined one's perception of his or her own direct ties and found a consistent tendency to inflate incoming friendship ties, confirming existing studies. However, we find that individuals were quite capable of recognizing the broader dynamics of social hierarchy (i.e., whether they were becoming more or less popular) even as they became no more accurate in understanding

SUBMITTER: Ertan G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6581280 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature