Do cognitive networks precede the development of real structures or vice versa?

Do cognitive network structures precede the development of real structures, or vice versa? Triad census distributions (TCDs) can classify networks with regard to their tendencies toward balance, clustering, hierarchies between and within clusters, transitivity, and so called forbidden triads. This study compares TCDs within and across two technology firms and finds higher consistencies for cognitive advice- and friendship networks across the firms than for the corresponding real networks. It is inferred that cognitive networks represent a relatively universal phenomenon that tends to dominate the development of the real networks. The effect is stronger for friendship networks than for advice networks. Further analyses indicate that real advice networks have some reversal effects on the formation of cognitive advice networks, but for friendship networks this effect is practically absent. The paper discusses the findings' theoretical and practical implications.