Using Social Network Analysis and Derivatives to Develop the S-BPM Approach and Community of Practice

Abstract

Subject-Oriented Business Process Management (S-BPM) and Social Network Analysis (SNA) are emerging as valuable process improvement techniques within the broader field of Business Process Management (BPM). S-BPM focuses on how subjects perform actions on objects and on how they exchange messages in order to coordinate their process work. SNA and its derivatives look at the interrelationships between actors or nodes within a social network. The use of SNA to complement process improvement techniques is a new approach for BPM, but the focus thus far has been primarily within and between organizations. This paper proposes that SNA can be usefully engaged in the examination of interrelationships in the developing field of S-BPM and that SNA techniques can also help further develop the S-BPM approach. Potential benefits and directions for future research on the use of SNA within the community of practice and field of S-BPM are discussed.