Regardless of the details on the official org chart, much work is done on informal networks. People skip formal processes and channels to get work done, sometimes over lunch or at the watercooler. Mapping three such networks help analyze the organization.

• Advice network
  Who do people depend on to solve problems and provide technical information? Analyzing this network can uncover political conflicts and failures to meet objectives.

• Trust network
  Who do people share delicate information with? Who backs each other up during a crisis? Analyzing this network can reveal the causes of nonroutine problems. This network should be analyzed when the organization is about to implement a major change or is in a crisis.

• Communication network
  Who do people talk to about work-related issues on a regular basis. Analyzing this network should show gaps in information flow and inefficient use of resources.

Krackhardt, D. & Hanson, J. R. (1993). Informal networks: The company. Hardvard Business Review, 71, 104-111.