In this episode, co-hosts Ron Landis and Jennifer Miller deconstruct organizational network analysis or sometimes referred to as ONA. Social interactions are becoming increasingly important to understand in the context of organizational success. While many have access to data related to interactions (i.e., communication patterns including email, chat) little has been done to analyze those patterns. Using ONA to understand and quantify such relational data provides organizations with a means for identifying whether individuals (or groups of individuals) have similar or different employee experiences.  

In this episode, we had conversations around these questions:  

• What is organizational network analysis?  
• How can organizational network analysis be used?  
• What kind of data do I need for an organizational network analysis?  

Key Takeaways:  

• Network analysis is a field that studies the relations among a set of actors. Everyday examples include social media platforms (i.e., connections between individuals) and the electric grid. The goal of network analysis is to examine the nature and patterns of those connections.  
• To establish a network, you need certain kinds of data. Networks have components such as actors, nodes, or vertices. The interactions between the components are sometimes referred to as links or edges. Organizational network analysis examines the patterns of interactions between the components.  
• At the end of the episode, Jennifer and Ron recommend steps for folks just starting out in this space all the way to the more advanced HR professional.  

Related Links  

• Millan Chicago