This article reports the results of research efforts to develop and test two
structural equation models of the antecedents of involvement in communication
networks in large organizations, one for communication network connectedness
and the other for network integration. A questionnaire was administered to 125
members of a naval training facility, along with a communication contact
questionnaire which ascertained each person's typical work-related communi
cation. The overall X2 test of the models showed (1) acceptable goodness-of-fit for
the connectedness model with five of eight significant coefficients and (2)
excellent goodness-of-fit for the integration model with six of eight significant
coefficients. The amount of variance explained was moderate for both. The
models are discussed in terms of plausible modifications of variables and links,
possibilities for examination of the consequences of the network structure, and
the necessity for constructing an integrated model.
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