Social network analysis: An approach and technique for the study of information exchange

1996 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Haythornthwaite
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Information Exchange

scholarly journals Combining Stakeholder- and Social Network- Analysis to Improve Regional Nature Conservation: A Case Study from Osnabrück, Germany

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Przesdzink ◽  
Laura Mae Herzog ◽  
Florian Fiebelkorn
Keyword(s):  
Nature Conservation ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Knowledge Mapping ◽  
Land User ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Conservation Projects

AbstractMany nature conservation projects fail primarily not because of a lack of knowledge about upcoming threats or viable conservation concepts but rather because of the inability to transfer knowledge into the creation of effective measures. Therefore, an increase in information exchange and collaboration between theory- and practice-oriented conservation actors, as well as between conservation actors, land user groups, and authorities may enhance the effectiveness of conservation goals. By considering the interactions between conservation stakeholders as social networks, social network analysis (SNA) can help identify structural optimization potential in these networks. The present study combines SNA and stakeholder analysis (SA) to assess the interactions between 34 conservation stakeholders in the major city and district of Osnabrück in northwestern Germany and offers insights into cost/benefit optimizations of these stakeholder interactions. Data were acquired using a pile sort technique and guideline-based expert interviews. The SA, based on knowledge mapping and SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, identified individual stakeholder’s complementary properties, indicating which among them would most benefit from mutual information exchange and collaboration. The SNA revealed discrepancies in information exchange and collaboration between theory- and practice-focused stakeholders. Conflicts were found predominantly between conservation associations, authorities and land user groups. Ecological research, funding, land-use conflicts, and distribution of conservation knowledge were identified as fields with high potential for increased information exchange and collaboration. Interviews also showed that the stakeholders themselves see many opportunities for increased networking in the region. The results are discussed in relation to the existing literature on nature conservation networks and used to recommend optimization measures for the studied network. Finally, the conclusion reflects upon the developed approach’s implications and possibilities for conservation stakeholders and planners in general.

Information access and sharing among prosthetics and orthotics faculty in Ghana and the United States

2020 ◽  
pp. 030936462095882
Author(s):  
Cody L McDonald ◽  
Henry Larbi ◽  
Sarah Westcott McCoy ◽  
Deborah Kartin
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Information Access ◽  
The United States ◽  
Exchange Networks ◽  
Key Players ◽  
Internal Connections

Background: Information access is essential for quality healthcare provision and education. Despite technological advances, access to prosthetics and orthotics information in low- and middle-income countries is not ubiquitous. The current state of information access, availability, and exchange among prosthetics and orthotics faculty is unknown. Objectives: Describe information exchange networks and access at two prosthetics and orthotics programs in Ghana and the United States. Study design: Cross-sectional survey, social network analysis. Methods: An online survey of faculty at two prosthetics and orthotics programs using REDCap. The survey included a social network analysis, demographics, and prosthetics and orthotics information resources and frequency of use. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: Twenty-one faculty members completed the survey (84% response). Ghanaian faculty were on average younger (median Ghana: 27 years, United States: 43 years), had less teaching experience, and had less education than US faculty. Textbooks were the most commonly used resource at both programs. The Ghanaian network had more internal connections with few outside sources. The US network had fewer internal connections, relied heavily upon four key players, and had numerous outside contacts. Conclusion: Ghana and US faculty have two distinct information exchange networks. These networks identify key players and barriers to dissemination among faculty to promote successful knowledge translation of current scientific literature and technology development. Social network analysis may be a useful method to explore information sharing among prosthetics and orthotics faculty, and identify areas for further study.

scholarly journals Demystifying Members’ Social Capital and Networks within an Agritourism Association: A Social Network Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-58
Author(s):  
Jing Li ◽  
Carla Barbieri
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Business Networks ◽  
Professional Advice ◽  
Exchange Of Information ◽  
Study Results

Membership associations are vital to build social capital and networks among their members through the exchange of information and resources, roles especially valuable for emerging entrepreneurs. That is the case of associations catering to professionals in agritourism, an enterprise bringing farming and tourism together. However, whether the exchange of information and resources among members holds true within agritourism associations is yet to be known. Filling this knowledge gap is critical given the stated benefits agritourism delivers to society and farmers’ necessity to expand their business networks to increase entrepreneurial success. Therefore, this study evaluated the extent of social capital and networks within a prominent agritourism-focused association in North America. Data were collected from members using a web-based survey in 2016. Analyses included descriptive statistical tests and Social Network Analysis (SNA). Results showed high levels of social capital among members, especially related to its relational dimension (e.g., share professional advice), as well as strong bi-directional (to/from) trust, cooperation, and reciprocity among members. SNA indicated members were well connected and had a healthy information exchange, without the organization intervention. Study results are discussed to provide managerial intelligence towards strengthening social capital and networks within associations catering to agritourism and other niche-tourism professionals.

Social Networks in Information Systems

2010 ◽  
pp. 392-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hernâni Borges de Freitas ◽  
Alexandre Barão ◽  
Alberto Rodrigues da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Group Processes ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Social Entities

A social network represents a set of social entities that interact through relationships like friendship, co-working, or information exchange. Social Network Analysis studies the patterns of relationships among social entities and can be used to understand and improve group processes. The arrival of new communication tools and networking platforms, especially the Web 2.0 Social Networking Services, opened new opportunities to explore the power of social networks inside and outside organizations. This chapter surveys the basic concepts of social networks methods, approaches, tools, and services. In particular, this chapter analyzes state-of-the-art social networks, explaining how useful Social Network Analysis can be in different contexts and how social networks can be represented, extracted, and analyzed in information systems.

scholarly journals Information exchange in construction design phase: a case study using Social Network Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. first
Author(s):  
Bao Ngoc Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Weak Links ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Construction Design ◽  
Managerial Implications

Effective information exchange contributes greatly to the success of a project. However, so far when mentioning this topic, people have still been uncertain and confused about its advantages. A uniform method to visualise this theme should be established so that existing problems can be exposed and hence remedies will be suggested towards the transformation of nature and structure of information exchange. This paper applies Social Network Analysis techniques to study information exchange practices in design consulting projects through a case study. On that basis, the present study assesses the cohesiveness of the network, measuring the role and position of actors. Overall, the cohesion in the overall network structure was average, the collaboration was not extensive. There were still some actors on the edge of the network with weak links. The key player in the network was surprisingly the Coordinator. The information path was fairly long and there was a risk of being distorted when passing through transit nodes. The findings of this research have considerable managerial implications. The prospect of being able to do SNA serves as a continuous impulse for future research in the field of construction management and project management in Vietnam.

scholarly journals Analysis on the Co-authoring in the Field of Management in China: Based on Social Network Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (06) ◽  
pp. 149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuanyi Wang ◽  
Zhe Cheng ◽  
Zhiwei Huang
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Small Groups ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Collaboration Network ◽  
The Core ◽  
Bibliographic Data ◽  
Academic Information

Using bibliographic data extracted from CNKI database, social network analysis is used to generate and analyze the network of co-authors of China in the field of management. This article suggests that: the density of the network is low, which means the collaboration between authors in China is not tight; the relations between the degree centrality and research output are weak. The author who published more papers may not have more co-authors. Through the lens of betweenness centrality, several authors in key positions of network are always dominating the academic information exchange and the small groups of authors have changed from 2006 to 2015. The result of core-periphery analysis reflects that only a very small proportion of scholars are in the core of the network while most are relatively independent. The similarity of working experience, academic authority and geographical closeness are helpful to form and enhance the collaboration network.

scholarly journals Influence of cultural contexts on the appreciation of different cultural ecosystem services based on social network analysis

One Ecosystem ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisca Kilonzi ◽  
Takahiro Ota
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Cultural Ecosystem Services ◽  
Intergovernmental Panel ◽  
Cultural Contexts ◽  
Relational Values ◽  
Behavioural Aspects

Since the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, ecosystem science domain has made tremendous progress in the study of ecosystem services, but debates on neglected cultural ecosystem services (CES) have persisted. A recent approach established by the Intergovernmental Panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) identifies and advocates incorporation of the CES through the role of local knowledge across other ecosystem services. However, approaches and tools that enable engagement of CES are limited. In this study, we examine how cultural contexts influence the appreciation of different CES, by identifying the behavioural aspects and the indigenous knowledge that has evolved on the basis of Social Network Analysis (SNA). SNA measures the network of relations between people and groups developed traditionally for a long time and their relational values with natural resources and ecosystem services. Through a comprehensive literature review of scholarly research published in Scopus data base, this study explicitly illustrates the interrelationship between SNA and CES. Keywords associated with SNA and cultural ecosystem services including forests, fisheries and agriculture (farming) were used. It was found that various aspects of social network uphold relational values of cultural importance and enhance resilience in groups amidst the social changes and times as societies progress. For instance, in the case of homophily, actors who are attracted to one another chose to interact in their defined network (e.g. fishing network) forming a strong social capital. Consequently, they shared similar beliefs and values that were eventually handed to the next generation of the network which shaped their heritage and identity. Social learning networks in various communities were also found to play a key role in information exchange and knowledge sharing among members compared to information from foreign technical experts. To fully integrate CES into sustainable decision making, this review suggests incorporation of the analysis of social networks formed in different cultural contexts globally.

Social Networks in Information Systems

2011 ◽  
pp. 127-144
Author(s):  
Hernâni Borges de Freitas ◽  
Alexandre Barão ◽  
Alberto Rodrigues da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Group Processes ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Social Entities

A social network represents a set of social entities that interact through relationships like friendship, co-working, or information exchange. Social Network Analysis studies the patterns of relationships among social entities and can be used to understand and improve group processes. The arrival of new communication tools and networking platforms, especially the Web 2.0 Social Networking Services, opened new opportunities to explore the power of social networks inside and outside organizations. This chapter surveys the basic concepts of social networks methods, approaches, tools, and services. In particular, this chapter analyzes state-of-the-art social networks, explaining how useful Social Network Analysis can be in different contexts and how social networks can be represented, extracted, and analyzed in information systems.

Social Networks in Information Systems

2010 ◽  
pp. 169-187
Author(s):  
Hernâni Borges de Freitas ◽  
Alexandre Barão ◽  
Alberto Rodrigues da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Group Processes ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Social Entities

A social network represents a set of social entities that interact through relationships like friendship, co-working, or information exchange. Social Network Analysis studies the patterns of relationships among social entities and can be used to understand and improve group processes. The arrival of new communication tools and networking platforms, especially the Web 2.0 Social Networking Services, opened new opportunities to explore the power of social networks inside and outside organizations. This chapter surveys the basic concepts of social networks methods, approaches, tools, and services. In particular, this chapter analyzes state-of-the-art social networks, explaining how useful Social Network Analysis can be in different contexts and how social networks can be represented, extracted, and analyzed in information systems.

The Use of Facebook by International Students for Information-seeking in Malaysia: A Social Network Analysis

Libri ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-268
Author(s):  
Sarah Bukhari ◽  
Suraya Hamid ◽  
Sri Devi Ravana ◽  
Sherah Kurnia ◽  
Shanton Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
International Students ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Graph Metrics

AbstractInternational students are valuable resources in higher education but they often face challenges due to lack of social engagement and unfamiliarity with the new social context. The use of social network sites (SNS) such as Facebook has the potential to support international students, but limited studies have examined the actual information seeking behaviour of this group of students. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the use of Facebook groups as an example of an SNS by international students for information seeking purposes. Data were downloaded from the Facebook group of international students that belong to a public university in Malaysia, and the social network analysis technique was used to analyse the data. The result of the network graph metrics showed that 25% international students exhibit a high frequency of interaction, whereas 75% of students present low interaction. Meanwhile, the result of the vertex text attribute method identified three types of information exchange, as follows: 1) information need; 2) information source; and 3) general information during the interaction of international students. The information needs of international students differ before and after arriving in Malaysia. Thus, Facebook groups provide a platform for international students to seek information, gain knowledge, remain updated with university news, make decisions and solve problems. This study offers important implications to research and practice related to the use of social network sites to support international students.

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