The Utility of Communication Network Ties: Reconceptualizing the Social Network Tie Measure

Tie measurement is an analytic foundation of social network analysis, and has been most commonly measured in regards to the strength of the tie. The strong tie - weak tie dichotomy is conceptually misleading, and the science of networks lacks a clear conceptualization of ties that allows for consistent operationalization of the concept. This conceptual gap has led researchers to measure ties in a contextually specific manner, often unique to their particular research design. This paper offers a reconceptualization of the tie concept as the utility of a tie, and provides a multi-dimensional taxonomy of social network ties that can be used to assess appropriate tie measures. Conceptual dimensions include socio-emotional closeness, resource potential, and accessibility. The taxonomy allows researchers to fit their specific operational needs within a common conceptual framework of tie measures. Visual representations are offered elaborating and exploring the implications of the proposed reconceptualization.