Relationship of agency and structure in collaborative networks: an analysis of the ConsÃrcio Brasileiro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento do Cafà / RelaÃÃo agÃncia e estrutura em redes colaborativas: uma anÃlise do ConsÃrcio Brasileiro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento do CafÃ.

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2008

RESUMO

This research aimed to explain the relationship between the agency and structure within a specific and relevant collaborative research network, the Brazilian Consortium for Coffee Research and Development, which for ten years has been producing science in the country. To that aim, a theoretical and methodological model was developed and deployed. The model gives precedence to the perception of the subject, as the model heightens the perception of the agents of its structural position/location, of the network resources available and of the dynamics of the network resource appropriation as a conditioning factor of mobilization of those resources and consequently the realization of the Social Capital and new investments. This perception would be, in turn, also partly influenced by the structure, which would configure the dual nature of the structure-agent relationship. While other researchers have already identified this duality, it is believed that the model is built on a breakthrough by attaching due importance to a variable hitherto neglected: the perception of the agent. To test the model, the following were used: (1) the participant observation in three meetings - symposium, congress and forum - of the Consortium, (2) the content analysis of 39 interviews with researchers from the central core of the network, (3) the sociometric analysis of co-authorship of a sample of 1,857 technical papers featuring the research of coffee in Brazil over 20 years, (4) the sociometric analysis of preferred choice among researchers of coffee, (5) documentary analysis of the minutes, publications and divulgation material, (6) multivariate analysis of a database that included data on 889 subprojects implemented by the Consortium and the responses to 236 questionnaires submitted to those responsible for subprojects. It is acceptable to assert, supported by all the evidence, that the model survived the field test: indications were found in the sense that a purposeful concern about the agent perception would have power to grant more explanatory power for analyses on the network, and in particular, to those of a more quantitative nature, where the agency has less chance of making itself present. In addition, this study revealed the patterns and regularities incident on the researchers, and the logic of their partnership - which may prove to be a contribution to the understanding of cooperation between scientists in Brazil.

ASSUNTO(S)

redes colaborativas de pesquisa redes social networks, collaborative networks administracao networks redes sociais

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