The convergence of communication networks and life-cycle stage: a North American case study

This case study examines communication networks and the organizational life-cycle stage in the context of an entrepreneurial business venture in North America. Basic social network analysis modelling techniques are used to assess relative organizational maturity as predicted by general life-cycle models. The assessment of communication patterns provides visual and quantitative evidence of the correspondence between structural and relational organizational characteristics and the current life-cycle stage. Consistent with existing life-cycle stage theories, highly interconnected communication patterns are found in a new company. In addition, the utility of social network analysis techniques for empirically assessing the organizational life-cycle stage is confirmed. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]