The Co-evolution of Organizational and Network Structure: The Role of Multilevel Mixing and Closure Mechanisms

Abstract

We present a dynamic multilevel framework for analyzing the mutual dependence of change in interorganizational networks and internal organizational structure. Change occurring at the former (interorganizational) level involves decisions to change the portfolio of network ties to external partners. Change occurring in the latter (intraorganizational) level involves decisions to change the portfolio of internal activities. We estimate a recently derived class of stochastic actor-oriented models (SAOMs) that we adopt and adapt to specify how decisions to change internal portfolios of activities and external portfolios of partners are connected by theoretically derived multilevel mechanisms that..