Organisational network analysis explained: who really influences your organisation
The org chart shows who reports to whom. Network analysis shows who people actually go to.
Every organisation has two structures. One is formal: the org chart, job titles and reporting lines. The other is informal: who people ask for advice, who they trust and whose opinion shapes decisions.
Organisational network analysis maps the informal structure.
How it works
Staff answer a short, confidential survey with questions such as "Who do you go to for advice on work problems?" or "Who do you trust to give honest feedback?" The answers are combined into a map of connections.
What it reveals
The org chart shows who reports to whom. Network analysis shows who people actually go to.
Why it matters
Change spreads through informal networks. If you involve the people others trust, new ways of working are adopted faster. If key connectors leave, the organisation can lose knowledge and stability quickly.
The ONN Audit
The ONN Audit combines network analysis with interviews and observation. It maps trust, influence, communication and emotional signals, then uses the findings to guide training and advice.
What it reveals
- Informal leaders that many people rely on
- Bottlenecks where too much depends on one person
- Teams or individuals who are isolated
- Gaps in communication between departments
Key points
- Network analysis maps the informal structure of an organisation.
- It shows informal leaders, bottlenecks and isolated teams.
- Involving trusted connectors helps change spread faster.
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