Refereed Publications Abstract

Creating the Right Decision-Making Networks: Driving Decision Efficiency and Effectiveness through Networks

During the past several decades, a great deal of research has revealed both cognitive biases and small-group dynamics that undermine effective decision making in organizations. In contrast, little work has been done on the ways that informal networks impact framing and execution of decisions. In this article, we present two in-depth case examples to show how organizational network analysis – applied to decision-making interactions in organizations – can help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of decision making. The first case demonstrates ways to use process mapping and network analysis to streamline decision-making interactions in a company enjoying rapid growth. The second shows how network analysis can improve top-team decision making and execution in a global organization slowed by bureaucracy and a culture of consensus. In both cases, we highlight the substantial insights and performance impact that can result when decisions are viewed through a network perspective.

Return to Refereed Publications List