Organizational Network Analysis
When evaluating whether formal organizational structure matches actual work patterns, when diagnosing coordination problems, or when designing new modular structures.
A method for mapping actual vs. formal coordination patterns in organizations, revealing where people really interact versus where the org chart says they should, useful for understanding whether modular boundaries align with actual work patterns.
When to Use Organizational Network Analysis
When evaluating whether formal organizational structure matches actual work patterns, when diagnosing coordination problems, or when designing new modular structures.
How to Apply
Define Network Scope
Determine which relationships to map (information flow, collaboration, advice-seeking, etc.)
Collect Data
Survey or observe to identify who interacts with whom, how frequently, for what purposes
Visualize Network
Create network diagram showing nodes (people/teams) and edges (interactions)
Analyze Patterns
Identify clusters, bottlenecks, boundary spanners, isolated nodes
Compare to Structure
Overlay formal organizational structure to identify misalignments between actual and formal coordination