Learning about Analysing Networks to Support Development Work? IDS Practice Paper in Brief 1

This paper presents four cases where social network analysis (SNA) was used in a development programme.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
1 January 2011
Document Type:
Briefing
Theme:
Research Communication and Uptake
Authors:
Batchelor, S.J.

Abstract

This paper presents four cases where social network analysis (SNA) was used in a development programme. It focuses not so much on the organisational qualities of networks nor on the virtual networks facilitated by software, but on the analysis of connectivity in real world networks. Most of the cases are unintentional networks. What literature there is on network analysis within the development sector tends to focus on intentional networks and their quality. Experience suggests there is considerable benefit to examining and understandingthe linkages in unintentional networks, and this is a key part of this Practice Paper.

The four cases illustrate how social network analysis can:

  • Identify investments in training, and enable effective targeting of capacity building.
  • Analyse a policy environment for linkages between people, and enable targeted interventions.
  • Analyse an emerging policy environment, and stimulate linkages between different converging sectors.
  • Look back on and understand the flow of ideas, thereby learning about enabling an environment for innovation.

Citation

Batchelor, S.J. Learning about Analysing Networks to Support Development Work? IDS Practice Paper in Brief 1. Institute of Development Studies, Brighton, UK (2011) 12 pp.

Learning about Analysing Networks to Support Development Work? IDS Practice Paper in Brief 1. (PDF, 1125KB)

Published 1 January 2011
Contents