New Window on Social Network Analysis in Organizations

What do you see when you look out the window above -- the structures or the sky?

The Gartner Group is a well-known, worldwide advisor on information technology issues. They have been a fan of social network analysis for several years now. Recently, they sent out this press release about how social and organizational network analysis fits into their concept of "Pattern-Based Strategy." Gartner describes their approach as focusing on "business patterns to capitalize on opportunities or avoid disruptions." Gartner is expanding their view -- they are not just talking about Windows® any more.

My partners and I have been analyzing networks in, and between, organizations and communities for over 20 years, and we certainly can attest that what Gartner suggests is true -- the key is in the connections! We have repeatedly found patterns in adaptive and agile organizations that are not present in companies that struggle with similar opportunities and disruptions. We are delighted to see an influential firm like Gartner now looking in this direction and seeing what we see.

One of the interesting things about organizational patterns is that they do not follow a strict recipe or design. However, good network patterns do provide highly similar benefits -- the ability of the human system to learn from and respond quickly to both opportunities and disruptions. The structures [both formal and informal] in Company X may not be the same as the structures in Company Y, but each may be optimizing a pattern, uniquely applied to their situation. We focus on the similar patterns we see across diverse organizations. What do they have in common? These organizations are succeeding because of their ability to exchange information/knowledge, learn quickly, and become aware of their environment -- irrespective of their particular hierarchies or business process designs. It is the pattern of the emergent organization –- what happens in the white space on the organizational chart -– that leads to adaptability and agility, and ultimately to success.

We can show you where your organization or community is on that scale of adaptability/agility and help you adjust your patterns for increased success with opportunities and disruptions.

Lets open up a new window in your organization...

What do you see when you look at your organization -- the organization chart or what goes on behind it?

Picture above is from my favorite young photographer -- Alice Merkel. See more of her portfolio on Flickr.