In 2009 I wrote a review of Linked by Albert-László Barabási for the MN Organization Development Network’s Voices newsletter. I brought it up recently in a meeting about a social network analysis (SNA) tool from Keyhubs because Linked helps to explain the history behind and the power of networks.
Click here for the full Linked Book Review
Book Review Excerpt
From the beginning of my journey into Linked, I wondered about the implications of networks on the acceptance of innovations, in particular, breakthrough innovations. Barabási speaks directly to the impact of networks on the spread of innovations in his chapter on viruses and fads. The power of networks is important to consider when launching an innovative product or service…or introducing any kind of change.
By understanding the nature of scale-free networks and planning strategically, an organization may be able to tap into the power of the network and experience significant change and growth. In Organization Development (OD) work, we identify key stakeholders, including resistors and champions, when planning actions around change. In order to be most effective, one must determine and work to influence the hubs of the network. Linked helps OD practitioners understand the power of networks, including why developing a good communication plan that includes actions for sponsors, resistors and champions, is crucial to successful change.
Two other connections between the nature of networks and the world of OD include:
- Self-Organizing: Even though scale-free networks seem complex and chaotic (which they are), laws and order do exist, enabling them to be self-organizing. Despite the chaos, the beauty of the network is that it lends itself to order.
- Gestalt: Networks display a gestalt nature through their links and connections. In referencing future medical treatments, Barabási states that “advances are rooted in a fundamental shift in how we look at everything from life to disease. They are the result of seeing the cell as a whole – a network – rather than a bag of independent chemicals” (p. 196).
Social Network Analysis (SNA) from Keyhubs
Social Network Analysis (SNA) gives business leaders new and illuminating perspectives of their organization. Beyond the traditional top-down hierarchy, SNA uncovers the tapestry of perceptions and workplace relationships that largely dictate how work gets done.
Combining unique survey methodologies with state-of-the-art mapping software, this tool from Keyhubs, an ALCEMIS collaborator, provides insight around internal talent and team dynamics that surprise, enlighten and transform organizational and leadership development.
Unlike traditional assessments and evaluations that rely on self-evaluation, the SNA aggregates peer-to-peer perceptions and capitalizes on the wisdom of crowds to help identify true talent and capability. The data can be used to provide unparalleled feedback to individual leaders and/or leadership teams regarding how employees show up at work.
If you want to see how networks are showing up in your organization and use the insights to make better decisions about talent, teams and organizational structure – check out Keyhubs. Make sure to say “Hi!” to my friend, colleague and collaborator Vikas Narula and let him know how the power of the network helped you find Keyhubs.