Using social network analysis in community development practice and research: A case study

In 2010, we proposed that integrating social network analysis into community development practice may be a useful way to make overt the links between micro- and macro-level issues in communities, and for researching the impacts of community development work [Ennis, G. and West, D. (2010) Exploring the potential of social network analysis in asset-based community development practice and research, Australian Social Work, 63 (4), 404-417]. This article presents research drawn from a community case study and provides a real example of how network analysis can be embedded in community development processes. The research demonstrates that social network analytic techniques can be useful in a range of ways, including: facilitating a critical analysis of 'the community'; focusing community work processes; and providing particular understandings about the outcomes and impacts of community work. In summary, the findings demonstrate that social network analysis is a useful tool for facilitating community development and measuring the efficacy of community development projects.