Using Social Network Analysis to Improve Communities of Practice

Although many organizations initiate communities of practice to drive performance and innovation, managers typically have little insight into their internal effectiveness and business impact. This article offers network analytics, interventions, and metrics (both in terms of network connectivity and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:California management review 2006-10, Vol.49 (1), p.32-60
Main Authors: Cross, Rob, Laseter, Tim, Parker, Andrew, Velasquez, Guillermo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Business innovation
Communities
Communities of practice
Community
Community relations
Community structure
Connectivity
Firm theory
Innovation
Knowledge management
Management science
Managing Human Resources
Network analysis
Online communities
Organization theory
Organizational behavior
Organizational structure
Productivity
Social network analysis
Social networks
Technological innovation
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Summary:Although many organizations initiate communities of practice to drive performance and innovation, managers typically have little insight into their internal effectiveness and business impact. This article offers network analytics, interventions, and metrics (both in terms of network connectivity and business outcomes) to improve and track the success of such community initiatives. Specifically, it shows how social network analysis can help move a community from an ad hoc, informal group to a value-producing network by focusing on five critical levers: improving information flow and knowledge reuse; developing an ability to sense and respond to key problems or opportunities; driving planned and emergent innovation; nurturing value-creating interactions; and engaging employees through community efforts.
ISSN:0008-1256
2162-8564
DOI:10.2307/41166370