Social Network Analysis

You can examine group structures and communication flows within a network chart by focusing on the relationships that exist between entities. This type of analysis is called social network analysis.

Organizational theories are combined with mathematical models to help you understand the dynamics of groups and organizations in which you are interested.

The structure of a network can determine:

• The performance of the network as a whole and its ability to achieve its key goals.
• Characteristics of the network that are not immediately obvious, such as the existence of a smaller subnetwork operating within the network.
• The relationships between prominent people of interest whose position might provide the greatest influence over the rest of the network.
• How directly and quickly information flows between people in different parts of the network.