Social Network Analysis

• SNA is a classic systems approach, measuring complex interactions of actors at multiple levels.Network analysis is a means for understanding the complex interactions that occur among individuals and/or organizations. It helps us understand the nature of those connections, what is “flowing” between them (for example information, power, or financial resources); and the overall structure of all those relationships within a defined network of local actors.
• Networks exist everywhere, whether formal or informal, intentional or unintentional. Often, they naturally emerge when there is a need and a constituency. A network is any distributed system of individuals and organizations that come together to pursue a shared purpose. Networks are structured in different ways and operate through different processes emerging from their relationship-driven nature.
• Network analysis provides both visual maps and mathematical analysis to better understand these networks. For example, at the network level, we can assess the degree of interaction between actors by calculating the network density to determine if connections happen across all the organizations or only among a few of them. At the organization level, we can see which organizations are central or peripheral; if an organization is a broker or bridge with other organizations; or if organizations cluster together into smaller groups (cliques).
• Understanding the current condition of a network helps to better identify opportunities to build upon and strengthen the relationships that already exist, as well as target efforts for weaving together a stronger overall network.

SNA is most useful for capturing complex relationships, and for capturing the structural characteristics of a network. Beyond identifying central actors within a network, it can provide measures of how tightly interconnected the network is, how fragmented the network is, and to identify subgroups within a network. All of these measures can help to provide insights about strengths and weaknesses in communication, power structures, and network stability.

• SNA is a way of thinking about social systems that focus attention on the relationships among actors in a system.
• SNA is a classic systems approach, measuring complex interactions of actors at multiple levels.
• SNA utilizes nodes (actors) and edges (relations).
• Attributes can be assigned to nodes (e.g. org type, sector, etc.).
• Analysis is conducted at the whole network and individual organizational level.
• ONA is a sub-set of SNA (organizational mode).