Social Networks and Organizations

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the field of social network analysis (SNA), including both theory and method, as applied to the understanding of organizations. It starts with a discussion of fundamental concepts of SNA. Examples of network concepts at dyadic level, node-level and group or whole network level of analysis are tabulated, along with thumbnail accounts of sample research in both the network and theory of networks domains. The chapter ends with a discussion of the methodological tools and challenges. Two major strategies including full network analysis and ego network approach, for studying social networks have been elaborated. A best practice in network research methodology is called the ethnographic sandwich. The ethnographic sandwich refers to sandwiching a formal, quantitative network study in between two layers of ethnographic work: one at the beginning of the study and one at the end of the study.