Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Network of Trust
Beyond purely social interaction, network solutions such as LinkedIn
focus on the professional value of trust created by links between indi-
viduals and others they are willing to vouch for professionally. By fol-
lowing the chain of trust from one individual to another, the initial level
of expectation and trust between two parties can be greater than when
meeting someone without prior introduction. This is akin to the practice
of providing a letter of reference, but the chain of trust expressed between
members allows a more personally validated level of trust by creating a
virtual introduction between the linked parties, illustrated in Figure 6.2.
Collective Intelligence
Social networks exemplify the ability of well-coordinated groups to
produce a more effective or efficient outcome than the individuals can
produce without communication. A common phrase for this type of syn-
ergy is that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Coordinated
synergies exist in many forms of collective intelligence, from the selec-
Figure 6.2
Network of trust between Adam and Edgar. Here, David vouches
for Edgar, Carl vouches for David, and Betty vouches for Carl. Because Adam
trusts Betty, the chain of reference extends through the intervening members
to produce a higher level of initial trust for Adam toward Edgar.
