5. Discussion and conclusions
As management researchers, consultants and practitioners increasingly utilize networks to map inter- and intra-organizational network structures and business networks, in this study, we highlight the practical considerations of SNA for analysts who are unfamiliar with this methodology or who seek greater reference on the dimensions of structuring, collecting, handling and interpreting their network research. In so doing, this paper presents a greater understanding of how SNA has been previously used, what the main points are and where these issues can be addressed prior to and during the research process to ensure that network data is efficiently collected, managed and interpreted. This study offers two contributions to current literature. First, the focus on structuring, collecting, handling and interpreting SNA data within the perspective of organizational and management studies counters the current dichotomy between theoretical reviews of SNA and scientific, statistical applications of the technique. Engaging specifically with four practical concerns associated with SNA – network boundary specification, data reliability, context of inquiry and network visualization – this paper provides a synthesis of information that managers, consultants or researchers can reference prior to engaging with SNA. Moreover, it contributes to SNA theory by offering a contemporary and contextualized illustration of some key issues within the field. Second, the framework extracted from this review postulates four key questions to guide and direct researchers, managers and practitioners in first engaging with SNA within their research or commercial practice. Building upon significant methodological and theoretical reviews on collecting network data (Carpenter et al., 2012; Conway, 2014; Marsden, 2005; Wasserman & Faust, 1994), this paper offers management researchers and practitioners a more delineated discussion on some of the key practical dimensions for handling and analyzing network data.
