Lunch Lecture - Olaf Rank

While traditionally, networks have often been regarded critically or have even been seen as a means of conspiracy, they have become fashionable over the last ten years in business as well as daily live. Accordingly, the number of publications both scientific and popular has increased significantly. Despite these developments and even though almost anyone would agree to use social networks at least to some extent, there are several important aspects we still do not have a solid understanding of: (1) What are attractive positions in networks and how can individuals obtain these positions? (2) What is the outcome of networks and how can individuals purposefully use their networks? (3) How can companies assess the informal networks in their organization and possibly shape their structures according to their corporate goals?

Video-podcast of the lecture