ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces fundamental concepts of social networks with examples relevant to group and team settings. Major topics introduced in this chapter include communication patterns, information and knowledge sharing, transactive memory systems, leadership, multi-team systems, and conflict and negative ties. This chapter offers an overview of the theoretical and methodological perspectives for examining networks in groups and teams. Network studies on contemporary issues in group communication (e.g., technology, online communities, and diversity) are also discussed. This chapter concludes by showing how understanding social networks can improve the functioning of groups and teams in a variety of contexts.
