Knowledge Linkage A Social Network Analysis of Tourism Dissertation Subjects

• Published in: Journal of hospitality & tourism research (Washington, D.C.) Vol. 36; no. 4; pp. 450 - 477
• Main Authors: Ying, Tianyu, Xiao, Honggen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.11.2012; Sage; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: 1994-2008; Bibliometrie; Knowledge; Nordamerika; Scholarly publishing; Social network analysis; Social networks; Soziales Netzwerk; Studies; Tourism; Tourismusforschung; Wissenschaftliche Publikation; North America; scientific community; knowledge network; tourism dissertation; social network analysis
• ISSN: 1096-3480; 1557-7554
• DOI: 10.1177/1096348011400745

Research subjects are indicative of problem areas amongst which knowledge traffic occurs and networks form in a scientific community. This article presents a social network analysis of tourism dissertation subjects based on ProQuest Dissertations and Theses–Full Text database (1994-2008). The study suggests an openness and vibrancy of tourism as a domain of knowledge from a social network perspective. Longitudinal examinations revealed a structural change in its knowledge development. Twenty-one subjects were identified as subdomains in this dynamic and interconnected knowledge system. The article also discusses the relationships between subject areas and doctoral program distributions for tourism research at North American institutions. Results of the study contribute to discussions on scientific community and knowledge networks in interdisciplinary tourism studies.