Social Network Analysis of Knowledge-Based Services

2016 ◽  
pp. 381-404
SAGE Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 215824402093181
Author(s):  
Carmen Pedroza-Gutiérrez ◽  
Juan M. Hernández

This study aims to construct a theoretical framework to analyze the elements of the network structure and the relationship system within the seafood supply chain. The scope of the investigation is to evaluate how these elements influence the flow of products and the efficiency of the seafood supply chain and why these social interactions can create value and enhance competitive advantage. The model combines the resource- and knowledge-based view and the social network analysis applied to seafood supply chains. To demonstrate the application of the model, two theoretical examples and a real case study of the Mercado del Mar in Guadalajara, Mexico, are used. Primary data are obtained from semi-structured interviews, social network analysis metrics, and qualitative analysis. Findings are based on the analysis of theoretical examples and must be considered with caution. Nevertheless, the observations in the examples and case study provide new arguments to the relationship between the pattern of interrelationship and the efficiency of a supply chain. This study emphasizes the necessity of combining quantitative and qualitative analyses to understand and explain real-life supply networks.


Author(s):  
Tobias Müller-Prothmann

Whilst the primary importance of informal communities of practice and knowledge networks in innovation and knowledge management is widely accepted (see Armbrecht et al., 2001; Brown & Duguid, 1991; Collinson & Gregson, 2003; Jain & Triandis, 1990; Lesser, 2001; Liyanage, Greenfied & Don, 1999; Nahapiet & Ghoshal, 1998; Nohria & Eccles, 1992; Wenger, 1999; Zanfei, 2000), there is less agreement on the most appropriate method for their empirical study and theoretical analysis. In this article it is argued that social network analysis (SNA) is a highly effective tool for the analysis of knowledge networks, as well as for the identification and implementation of practical methods in knowledge management and innovation. Social network analysis is a sociological method to undertake empirical analysis of the structural patterns of social relationships in networks (see, e.g., Scott, 1991; Wasserman & Faust, 1994; Wellman & Berkowitz, 1988). This article aims at demonstrating how it can be used to identify, visualize, and analyze the informal personal networks that exist within and between organizations according to structure, content, and context of knowledge flows. It will explore the benefits of social network analysis as a strategic tool on the example of expert localization and knowledge transfer, and also point to the limits of the method.


2011 ◽  
pp. 1096-1106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Muller-Prothmann

Whilst the primary importance of informal communities of practice and knowledge networks in innovation and knowledge management is widely accepted (see Armbrecht et al., 2001; Brown & Duguid, 1991; Collinson & Gregson, 2003; Jain & Triandis, 1990; Lesser, 2001; Liyanage, Greenfied & Don, 1999; Nahapiet & Ghoshal, 1998; Nohria & Eccles, 1992; Wenger, 1999; Zanfei, 2000), there is less agreement on the most appropriate method for their empirical study and theoretical analysis. In this article it is argued that social network analysis (SNA) is a highly effective tool for the analysis of knowledge networks, as well as for the identification and implementation of practical methods in knowledge management and innovation. Social network analysis is a sociological method to undertake empirical analysis of the structural patterns of social relationships in networks (see, e.g., Scott, 1991; Wasserman & Faust, 1994; Wellman & Berkowitz, 1988). This article aims at demonstrating how it can be used to identify, visualize, and analyze the informal personal networks that exist within and between organizations according to structure, content, and context of knowledge flows. It will explore the benefits of social network analysis as a strategic tool on the example of expert localization and knowledge transfer, and also point to the limits of the method.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document