Networks Analysis for Mapping Knowledge Flows: A Case Study from India

Abstract

Knowledge Management literature lays emphasis on the fact that a major chunk of knowledge dissemination occurs through the various forms of social networks that exist within the organizations.. A social network is a simple structure comprising of set of actors or nodes that may have relationships ties with one another. The social network analysis will helps in mapping and measuring formal and informal relationships to understand what facilitates or impedes the knowledge flows that bind interacting units. This paper aims at studying the knowledge flows that happens through the social networks. It first, provides a review of literature on the recent research and application of knowledge mapping and SNA, followed by a discussion of the concepts of SNA and KNA. In the conclusion part of this study knowledge maps are presented to illustrate the actual knowledge flow that happens through the social networks that exists in the firm.