Networks embedded in n-dimensional space:The impact of dimensionality change

Social networks can be embedded in an n-dimensional space, where the dimensions may reveal or denote underlying properties of interest. When the pertaining actors occupy niches of resources in this space, e.g., organizational niches of affiliates, we show there exists a non-monotonic effect of dimensionality change. Depending on niche width, relatively narrow or wide, dimensionality change has opposing effects on niche volume. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.