Social Structure, Interaction, and Decisions

Social systems are characterized by complex relational structure, that shapes and is shaped by both the microdynamics of individual behavior and the physical, cultural, and institutional contexts in which they are embedded.  A major thrust of our research is on understanding the mechanisms that drive the formation and evolution of social structure and the dynamics of social interaction at the individual, group, and organizational levels.  We also examine the effect of social context on decision making, information sharing, perception, and belief.  A recurring theme in our work is the effect of disruption on social systems, the ways in which groups and organizations respond to such disruptions, and how to facilitate effective response.  This includes disruptions associated with emergencies and disasters arising from natural or anthropogenic hazards, and organizations’ strategies for combating them.