Sna Theory Research Paper

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SNA Theory: Its Value to Organizations

Social Network Analysis Theory attempts to understand the "importance of relationships among interacting units. The social network perspective encompasses theories, models, and applications that are expressed in terms of relational concepts or processes" (Gretzel 2001). It suggests that the whole is greater than the sum of individual parts, but unlike other organizational theories, it places a great deal of emphasis on the ways in which interpersonal units function together. The key concept behind SNA theory is that of the 'network.' "Actors and their actions are viewed as interdependent rather than independent, autonomous units," and relational ties are fundamentally responsible for the transfer of resources (Gretzel 2001). Dyads, triads and the connections between these units are more important than individual analysis of what motivates people.

Relationships define networks: without a relationship, the individual's role within the organization cannot be fully understood. This suggests that instead of focusing on 'problem employees,' the organization must understand why relationships are failing and to increase productivity, the organization must focus on improving and building upon connections between individuals.

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But SNA is not merely a vague, indefinite 'fuzzy' way of understanding organizations, despite its focus on relationships. It involves "mapping and measuring of relationships and flows between people, groups, organizations, computers or other information/knowledge processing entities" using mathematical as well as observational data (Gretzel 2001).

Much of SNA involves 'mapping' the network because "to understand networks and their participants" we evaluate the location of actors in the network (Krebs 2012). "Connectors, mavens, leaders, bridges, isolates" are all roles that individuals can play in a network. The designated role names of SNA specifically refer to how the actor relates to other people. It also notes how actors 'cluster' amongst themselves to form networks, "who is in the core of the network, and who is on the periphery" (Krebs 2012). For example, is the IT department….....

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