Networks, Morality, and Social Connections: How Lab Researchers Presented Their Research at the HSE April Conference

Formal rules and informal connections: which is more effective?

Natalia Matveeva and Ilya Petrov presented in a section devoted to the analysis of networks and complex systems. Their work addressed a question familiar to many organizations: why formal policies and actual work processes often diverge. The researchers modeled employee interactions as a two-layer network, where one layer reflects formal connections and incentives, and the other informal support, advice, and trusting communication.  

Mathematical analysis showed that even under identical external conditions, misalignment between layers reduces overall team activity and creates an asymmetry of effort. Conversely, structural alignment of formal and informal channels helps equalize engagement and makes the transfer of influence more predictable. This approach allows us to view organizational effectiveness not through abstract indicators, but through the real architecture of connections between people.

How the opinions of others change our moral judgments

In the sociology section, Junior Research Fellow Artem Oganyan (jointly with Inna Devyatko) presented the results of an experiment on how social comparison influences moral judgments. When the opinions of colleagues or public figures are readily available, we involuntarily compare our own assessments with them. Participants in the experiment were asked to rate the degree of guilt of characters in realistic scenarios, after which they were exposed to the positions of real "referents" from their immediate circle. The data confirmed that the more the referent's judgments differed, the more the participants' own judgments changed. This study adds empirical support to discussions about how everyday morality is shaped in the age of digital media and how the perceived status of the speaker influences people's willingness to reconsider their positions. The authors note that a full test of the hypothesis regarding the strength of the effect will require larger samples, which sets the direction for the next stages of the study.  

Both papers fit seamlessly into the program of the April Conference, which this year placed a significant emphasis on interdisciplinarity and applied relevance. While some sections discussed macroeconomic forecasts, digital platforms, and business strategies, the lab's researchers focused on the micro level—how connections between people are structured and how these connections change behavior, assessments, and the effectiveness of interactions. This approach helps connect theoretical models with real-world social and organizational processes, which aligns with the overall logic of the conference.  

For the lab, April is an opportunity not only to present interim results but also to receive feedback from colleagues in related fields, from economists to sociologists. We will continue to participate regularly in the conference and invite colleagues to our future papers!