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Social Network Analysis


The information revolution has given birth to new economies structured around flows of data, information, and knowledge. In parallel, social networks1 have grown stronger as forms of organization of human activity.2 Social networks are nodes of individuals, groups, organizations, and related systems that tie in one or more types of interdependencies: these include shared values, visions, and ideas; social contacts; kin- ship; conflict; financial exchanges; trade; joint membership in organizations; and group participation in events, among numerous other aspects of human relationships.3 Indeed, it sometimes appears as though networked organizations outcompete all other forms of organization4—certainly, they outpace vertical, rigid, command-and-control bureaucracies. When they succeed, social networks influence larger social processes by accessing human, social, natural, physical, and financial capital, as well as the information and knowledge content of these. (In development work, they can impact policies, strategies, programs, and projects—including their design, implementation, and results—and the partnerships that often underpin these.) To date, however, we are still far from being able to construe their public and organizational power in ways that can harness their potential. Understand- ing when, why, and how they function best is important. Here, social network analysis can help.

Olivier Serrat - Personal Name
NONE
Information Technology
English
2009
1-4
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