Network AnalysisNetwork Analysis

Diffusion Diffusion NetworksNetworks

Social Network PhilosophySocial Network Philosophy

Social structure is visible in an anthillSocial structure is visible in an anthillMovements & contacts one sees are Movements & contacts one sees are not random but patternednot random but patterned

The structure is visible if we had a The structure is visible if we had a sufficiently remote vantage pointsufficiently remote vantage point

If one could get far enough away from If one could get far enough away from it human life would become pure it human life would become pure patternpattern

Network analysisNetwork analysis

Is based on intuitive notion that patterns are Is based on intuitive notion that patterns are important features of lives of individuals who important features of lives of individuals who display themdisplay them

Analysts believe that how an individual lives Analysts believe that how an individual lives depends in large part on how that individual is depends in large part on how that individual is tied into the larger web of social connectionstied into the larger web of social connections

Success or failure of societies and organizations Success or failure of societies and organizations often depends on the patterning of their internal often depends on the patterning of their internal structure structure

Network approachNetwork approach(1) is guided by formal theory organized in (1) is guided by formal theory organized in mathematical terms, and mathematical terms, and (2) is grounded in systematic analysis of empirical data (2) is grounded in systematic analysis of empirical data

With use of graph theory in 70s and availability of With use of graph theory in 70s and availability of powerful computers study of social networks took off powerful computers study of social networks took off as an interdisciplinary specialtyas an interdisciplinary specialty

Applications in organizational behavior, inter-Applications in organizational behavior, inter-organizational relations, spread of contagious organizational relations, spread of contagious diseases, mental health, social support, diffusion of diseases, mental health, social support, diffusion of information and animal social organization information and animal social organization

Network Maps-As is PictureNetwork Maps-As is Picture

Provide a revealing snapshot of a ecosystem at a particular point in time

R. Qs• What are the right connected people? • Who are playing leadership roles ? Who is not, but should be?• Who are experts in planning & practice?• • Who are innovators? Are ideas shared and acted upon?

Nodes and LinksNodes and Links

Nodes can be people, groups or organizations

Links can show relationships, flows, or transactions and can be directional

Excellent tool for visually tracking your ties and designing strategies to create new connections

What does a vibrant, effective network look like?

Examples: People in organizations, routers on the Internet, cells in a nervous system, molecules in protein interactions, animals in an ecosystem, and pages on the WWW

All organized in efficient network structures that have similar properties

Patterns of effective networksPatterns of effective networks

1. Birds of a feather flock together - nodes link together because of common attributes, goals

2. Diversity is important. Though clusters form around common attributes and goals, vibrant networks maintain connections to diverse nodes and clusters

Diversity of connections is required to maximize innovation in the network

Robust networksRobust networks

3. Have several paths between any two nodes. If some nodes or links are damaged or removed, other pathways exist for uninterrupted information flow

4. Some nodes are more prominent than others – they are hubs, brokers, or boundary spanners

ConnectionsConnections

5. Most nodes in the network are connected by an indirect link in the network

e.g., A-B-C-D shows a direct link between A and B, but indirect links between A and C and A and D.

Scattered FragmentsScattered Fragments

Network WeaverNetwork Weaver

The weaver has vision, energy, and social skills to connect to diverse individuals and groups and start information flowing to and from them

Weavers have external links outside of community to bring in information and ideas

Network weaverNetwork weaver

Weaver’s workWeaver’s work

Initially a network weaver forms relationships with each of the small clustersDuring this phase a weaver is learning about each individual or small cluster – discovering what they know and what they needIf the weaver fails or leaves then it is fragmented

ClustersClusters

Are networked connections that connect various individuals, organizations and hubs loosely

Strength of Weak TiesStrength of Weak Ties

Weak ties are connections that are not as frequent, intense, as strong network ties that form the backbone of a network

Strong ties are usually found within a network cluster, while weak ties are found between clusters

As clusters begin to connect to each other, the first bridging links are usually weak ties

Over time weak ties may bridge more clusters

Multi-hub networkMulti-hub network

Core/periphery NetworkCore/periphery Network