Variation and Selection During Pandemic: Toward A Multiplex Framework for Understanding Nonprofit Community Network Evolution in Crisis Time

Abstract

This study examines how the communication network structure of a community of U.S. nonprofits evolves in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by examining their multiplex strategic communication network building on Twitter/X. This study identifies two types of networks: representational ties (for third-party audiences) and substantial ties (for direct resource exchange). Our findings suggest that organizations remain consistent with network strategies through different crisis stages, and that the crisis provides opportunities for nonprofits to maintain existing substantial networks while building more extensive substantial networks. Representational ties, including those formed precrisis, have the potential to evolve into substantial relationships. Theoretically, this research contributes to the network evolution theory that network tie variation and selection can occur simultaneously through a multiplex process. Practically, organizations can strategically expand representational connections in normal times to prepare for crises.