Social Network Theory and Analysis: A Complementary Lens for Inquiry

Abstract

As an emerging research approach, social network theory and analysis has been embraced and effectively applied in disciplines that have overlapping interests with sport management researchers including such fields as organizational behavior and sport sociology. Although a number of sport management scholars have investigated network-related concepts, to date no sport management studies have fully utilized the analytical tools that social network theory and analysis have to offer. In conjunction with a discussion about the ontological, epistemological, and methodological perspectives associated with network analysis, this article uses several examples from the sport management and organizational behavior bodies of literature to illustrate a number of the advantageous techniques and insights social network theory and analysis can offer. These examples are meant to provide a general understanding of the utility and applicability of the social network theory and analysis and potentially inspire sport management researchers to adopt a social network lens in their future research endeavors.

The Youth Olympic Games: the best of the Olympics or a poor copy?

“…Moreover, as noted above, further analysis of the YOG stakeholder map and the various stakeholder relationships is warranted. One way to do so would be to use network theory (see for example Quatman & Chelladurai, 2008;Rowley, 1998). In addition, reflection on more appropriate or accurate ways of depicting both the OG and YOG stakeholder maps is required.…”

A Comprehensive Mapping of High-Level Men’s Volleyball Gameplay through Social Network Analysis: Analysing Serve, Side-Out, Side-Out Transition and Transition

“…In this vein, Social Network Analysis (SNA) emerges as a powerful tool to study systemic behaviour (e.g., analysis of its topological conformations), devoting particular attention to the relationships established within the system (Quatman & Chelladurai, 2008). As has been stated (Pow, Gayen, Elliott, & Raeside, 2012), SNA maps assist us in understanding the interactions within a group, namely the links between diff erent players and the fl ow of information in the system.…”

From Farmers to Entrepreneurs

“…Indeed, organisations of farmers should embrace inter-organisational networks in order to remain competitive in today's markets (Burt, 2000;Quatman & Chelladuri, 2008).…”