Thesis
Organizational network analysis in a transportation agency
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100541
Abstract
Organizational Network Analysis, or ONA, is a tool that has been developed to aid organizations in the identification and visualization of how information is shared between employees. Using ONA, management can make informed decisions about who should work with whom, and which employees should meet to discuss ideas in order to cultivate innovation. The purpose of this research is to introduce the concept of ONA and to apply the methods of ONA to the engineering world, specifically in a transportation agency, and by so doing, to discover where information sharing is occurring and where it is impeded. Ninety-four employees in two different networks of a state transportation agency were surveyed, using validated survey questions, and the data was analyzed using standard methods of ONA which are discussed in detail in the text. Network maps were created for both networks graphically displaying how information is shared between employees at every efficiency level. A number of employees within the transportation agency were found to be key in determining the information sharing efficiencies of others. One network was found to be at risk for serious knowledge loss and breakdown in communication if several key individuals were removed. Both networks were found to have overall effective ratings of information transfer. Based upon the research, it was concluded that the concepts form Organization Network Analysis can be beneficially applied to transportation agencies. Valuable information was gained by the transportation agency as to how information is actually shared by the employees of the network, and measures could be taken to improve specific areas where information sharing was not as efficient as desired. The anticipated results of the project are more balanced connectivity across both networks, more ties from the members on the periphery, and in general, more productive information sharing.
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Details
- Title
- Organizational network analysis in a transportation agency
- Creators
- Kristina Marie Hammer
- Contributors
- Shane Brown (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525031701842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis