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The focus of this article is the patterns of interaction that arise within work groups, and how organizational and institutional factors play a role in shaping these patterns. Based on an ethnographic study of groups across three national contexts, we describe the variation in patterns of interaction that we observed. We further suggest how different patterns of interaction form mutually reinforcing systems with aspects of the organizational context. In addition, we suggest how these mutually reinforcing systems are perpetuated by aspects of the broader institutional context. Our findings point toward a nested theory of structuration, expanding structuration theory to multiple levels simultaneously. In turn our findings have theoretical and practical implications for better understanding and managing interaction patterns among group members.

This article describes the network approach to small groups. First, the core constructs that compose social network research are explained. The primary theories that provide the intellectual underpinning of the network approach are described, including theories of self-interest, theories of social exchange or dependency, theories of mutual or collective interest, cognitive theories, and theories of homophily. Highlights of the empirical work examining the internal and external networks of small groups is summarized. Finally, the primary challenges researchers face when applying the network perspective to small groups, and the primary benefits that can accrue to researchers who adopt that perspective, are enumerated.