The application of social network analysis for the studies on organizational structure Cover Image

Analiza sieci w badaniach struktury organizacji
The application of social network analysis for the studies on organizational structure

Author(s): Patryk Zaręba, Anita Zbieg, Błażej Żak
Subject(s): Economy
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wrocławiu
Keywords: social networks in organizations; social network analysis; organizational network analysis; organizational structure

Summary/Abstract: Using social network analysis for the studies of organizational structure allows to understand in more details the ways of real organizing of employees. The manner in which people work is the quotidian knowledge that is often not realized very well but it is essential for effective performance of a company. The article presents the research process that results in a picture of organizational structure reflected as the network of connections between employees. The studies are usually conducted with survey questions that are presented in the article (cooperation, information flow, the flow of knowledge and problem-solving, and finally the decision flow) and interpreted in the context of the analysis made in a real company. The network structure of an innovative IT company (125 employees) consisting of 3097 connections has been visualized and analyzed. We tested the assumptions regarding the degree of company integration, the level of centralization in decision making process, the way of task coordination and the possible blockages in the flow of knowledge. We also highlighted employees that were important in these areas and specified their roles.

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 19
  • Page Range: 95-117
  • Page Count: 23
  • Language: Polish