Alliances in networks: insights from blockmodeling

Abstract

Purpose

Economic agents in systems (individuals, firms, government organizations, etc.) engage in a wide range of cooperative activities that may be mapped as networks. This paper aims at determining whether alliances embedded in such networks show higher densities of interaction between agents than other network subsets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the blockmodeling technique on a unique sample of armed forces that have engaged in repeated cooperative behaviour over a decade.

Findings

This study finds that the alliance in the sample does exhibit a significantly higher density of interaction than the rest of the network.

Research limitations/implications

Using blockmodeling may be necessary, but not sufficient, to ascertain the presence of undisclosed alliances in networks.

Practical implications

This work is useful for the detection of potential or actual collusive behaviour in the form of higher densities of interactions between agents in systems.

Originality/value

Blockmodeling, as a technique, and agents like armed forces, as a sample, are uncommon occurrences in the contemporary cybernetics and general systems literature. This paper provides novel insights to research on collaborative behaviour.

Citation

Cimon, Y. (2013), "Alliances in networks: insights from blockmodeling", Kybernetes, Vol. 42 No. 6, pp. 955-961. https://doi.org/10.1108/K-05-2013-0100