Social Network Analysis (SNA)

Social Network Analysis (SNA)

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Term2.png SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS (SNA)
The mapping, measuring and comparison of relationships within and between individuals, groups, organizations, and systems in order to model the real-world interactions at the heart of organizational knowledge and learning processes. While an organizational chart shows formal relationships of function and responsibility, SNA illustrates informal relationships: "who know whom" and "who shares with whom". SNA is used to examine how the interactions occur within an organization, allowing leaders to visualize and understand the diverse relationships that either facilitate of impede knowledge sharing. After social relationships and knowledge flows become visible, they can be evaluated, compared and measured. The results of SNA can be applied at the level of individuals, departments or organizations to:


  • Identify those (individuals and groups) playing central roles (thought leaders, key knowledge brokers, information managers, etc);
  • Identify bottlenecks and those isolated;
  • Spot opportunities to improve knowledge flow;
  • Target those where better knowledge sharing will have the most impact;
  • Raise awareness of the sifnigicance of informal networks.


SNA is sometimes referred to as an "organizational X-ray", showing the real netwroks that operate underneath the surface organizational structure. [1]



References

  1. ↑ Tools for Knowledge and Learning - A Guide for Development and Humanitarian Organisations, Ben Ramalingam, www.webopedia.com, www.answers.com (23 July 2008)
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