Methods for Analysis of Social Networks Data in HRD Research

Abstract

The Problem Many phenomena in human resource development (HRD) research unfold in the social context. Most of the variables HRD researchers study, even if these are individual-level variables, are inevitably affected by the formal and informal network of actors in which an individual finds oneself. This relational influence is commonly ignored in studies of performance, learning, change, and other questions. The Solution Social networks analysis (SNA) is a methodology that makes it possible to take the relational aspect into account. It allows researchers to model the social capital of an actor and examine how connectivity and position in the network interacts with or influences important outcomes. The Stakeholders Researchers in the field of HRD will be able to uncover a wealth of new information and gain a new perspective by including SNA in their toolkit. This article provides the researchers with an introduction to the methods and provides suggestions for their application.