How to Identify Influencers with Organizational Network Analysis

Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) is a powerful tool used to identify influencers within an organization by mapping and analyzing the flow of information and collaboration.

Here are some key steps and insights on how to identify these influencers using ONA:

• Mapping Day-to-Day Workflow: ONA tracks and maps the day-to-day workflow, collaboration, and expertise sharing across the organization. This helps in identifying the true influencers and energizers who are crucial to the organization's success but may not be recognized in the traditional hierarchy.
• Survey-Based Active ONA: Conduct surveys to uncover real influencers and energizers. Typical questions include identifying colleagues important to achieving work goals and those who provide energizing interactions. This method helps in pinpointing hidden cultural influencers who can drive change effectively.
• Visualizing Collaboration: ONA visualizes how communication flows within groups and across the organization. This visualization helps in identifying central connectors and boundary spanners who play critical roles in facilitating collaboration and innovation.
• Analyzing Network Roles: Identify key network roles such as connectors, boundary spanners, and energizers. These individuals often hold informal leadership positions and are pivotal in aligning team efforts and driving organizational change.
• Leveraging Data for Strategic Insights: Use the data from ONA to gain insights into the organization's informal networks. This helps in understanding who the key influencers are and how they can be engaged to support strategic objectives and cultural change initiatives.

For more detailed insights and examples of how ONA is used to identify influencers, you can explore the following resources:

• What is Organizational Network Analysis (ONA)?(opens in a new tab)
• Amplifying Your HR Programs with Organizational Network Analysis - i4cp 2021 Conference(opens in a new tab)
• MIT Sloan: Hybrid Work Planning Research(opens in a new tab)
• Five Ways Networks Create Culture(opens in a new tab)

This article is included in i4cp's Change Execution Toolkit.