Social exchange and communication networks among Malaysian academic scientific community

Abstract

This paper reports on the participation of academic-based Scientists in Malaysia in social exchange and communication networks with their "significant colleagues" both within and without their institutions, with Malaysian and as well as with their foreign counterparts who are based in their institutions. The focus of analysis will be on (a) Scientists'' (b) Interpersonal ties, with foreign scholars in scientists' own institutions, and (c) Scientists' participation in the local Malaysian scientific gatherings. The findings of the study clearly indicate the existence of a complex matrix of interconnections created and maintained by scientists with their external "significant colleagues' for the purpose of creating, sharing and exchange of scientific knowledge. Their self-involvement in the social exchange and networkings vary by scientific areas, ethnic identity and gender. Thus the evidence of the totality of the networkings of interpersonal relationships between the Malaysian academic scientific community and their "significant colleagues" suggests the existence of a scientific community or what Crane calls the "invisible college".