Extended structures of mediation: Re-examining brokerage in dynamic networks

In this paper we revisit the concept of brokerage in social networks. We elaborate on the concept of brokerage as a process, identifying three distinct classes of brokerage behavior. Based on this process model, we develop a framework for measuring brokerage opportunities in dynamic relational data. Using data on emergent inter-organizational collaborations, we employ the dynamic brokerage framework to examine the relationship between organizational attributes and coordination in the evolving network. Comparing the findings of our process-based definition with traditional, static approaches, we identify important dimensions of organizational action that would be missed by the latter approach.

► We elaborate on the concept of brokerage as a process. ► We identify three classes of brokerage: transfer, matchmaking, and coordination. ► We develop a framework for measuring brokerage in dynamic relational data. ► We examine the relationship between organizational attributes and coordination. ► We identify dimensions of organizational action missed in a static approach.