Analysis of social network in organizations: studyofneighborhood-associations networks

Abstract

This text presents a theoretical and practical proposal application of the networks analysis in the organizational context and, subsequently, a case analysis of the neighborhood association network of the city of Tarragona (Catalonia). The theoretical proposal aims to analyse the potential of social networks analysis in relation to understanding the functioning of social organizations. The network analysis raises a mesosociological analytical model that permit to study the structural and interorganizational relations. So, to the specific attributes of each organization, is added its position in the relations network that configures or in which it participates, providing a structural information that allows to deepen the comprehension of the relationships between organizations. To reinforce the theoretical explanation, this article includes a practical approach of case analysis of the neighborhood association network of the city of Tarragona, considering how intertwine the internal and relational elements of these organizations. In this specific case, the will of political impact of neighborhood organizations converts them in relevant actors in the application of network analysis, because the explanatory power of the structural level adds a crucial information to understand the way in which these entities works as organizations, influencing their attitudes, actions and objectives.