| Abstract:
Organizations are increasingly challenged to adapt and respond to a changing world. Additionally, funders are increasingly focused on impacts that require integrated systems-based interventions. The University of Minnesota Extension has been using social network analysis (SNA) as a means to leverage existing “knowledge capital” between programs, increase alignment, and build new collaborative structures to reach new and shifting goals. This presentation will demonstrate how U of M Extension has used SNA for assessing (1) large outreach structures, (2) internal structures that support outreach, (3) existing collaboration levels, and (4) revealing potential frontier networks around target problems or audiences. Demonstrations will include examples of SNA concepts in application, SNA data collection instruments used, maps of network results, interpretation of networks, and how network maps can be useful at different levels of the organization.
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