Network Science
Small-World Network
A network where most nodes are not direct neighbors but can be reached from any other node in a small number of steps. Combines high clustering (friends of friends are likely friends) with short path lengths.
Biological Context
Neural networks, social networks, and some metabolic networks exhibit small-world properties. Information or disease can spread quickly (short paths) while local clustering enables specialized function. The small-world property explains 'six degrees of separation.'
Business Application
Small-world organizational structure: tight-knit teams (high clustering) connected by bridging individuals who span teams. This balances local cohesion with global coordination.