Dynamic evolution in information sharing networks

This study examines the roll-out of a collaborative information repository or 'knowledge-base' in a medium-sized UK professional services firm over a six year period. Data from usage logs provides the basis for analysis of the dynamic evolution of social networks around the depository during this time. The adoption pattern follows an 's-curve' and usage exhibits something of a power law distribution, both attributable to network effects and network opposition is associated with organisational performance on a number of indicators. But periodicity in usage is evident and the usage distribution displays an exponential cut-off. Fourier analysis provides some evidence of mathematical complexity in the periodicity. Some implications of complex patterns in social network data for research and management are discussed.