The effect of ict enabled social networks on performance

Abstract

Research in sociology of information and technology use highlight the importance of information and communication technology (ICT) for supporting networks among professional peers. This paper explores the effects of different types and patterns of ICT usage for supporting professional networks. In this study, we ask-how can different types ICT help support professional networks? What are the implications of patterns of ICT usage on supporting professional networks? Given an association between ICT types, usage, network structure for supporting professional networks, what are its implications on performance? In our study, we apply the theory of structural holes and its underlying assumptions (i.e., efficiency and effectiveness) to develop a theoretical framework and propositions for exploring interlock between types and patterns of ICT usage, network structure, and professional support networks for measuring the performance of effective clinical care. Empirical evidence from Australian rural general practitioners' data show that both network structure and Internet-enabled ICT use play a crucial role when it comes to performance in the medical consultation.