Social impulse analysis

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Social impulse analysis (SIA) is a method for predicting the behavior of social networks and groups. With a corresponding knowledge of the relationship structures, the method provides a statement about how the participants influence one another.

basis

Every society is dependent on its members adhering to certain norms and rules in their behavior. In addition, the structure of the social connections also restricts the individual's freedom of action. With the knowledge of the rules, structures and current status of a social constellation, it is possible to predict with a certain probability how it will react to an information impulse (such as an important message).

method

Social impulse analysis is essentially based on the sociogram model , which was developed by Jakob Levy Moreno in the 1930s and describes the structure of a social network. This approach was extended by Grimm, R. and Eckkrammer, F. to include dynamic aspects. By taking into account factors such as the frequency of interaction, human forgetting or the reduced novelty value of known information, group dynamics phenomena (see also group dynamics ) can be simulated over time. In this way, stimulation effects, opinion-forming processes or tendencies to split off subgroups can be anticipated in advance.

The parameters for describing the model are usually determined through self-assessment of the actors, in which they state, among other things, by whom they are influenced, whom they trust and how often they interact with the named people. In the simplest case, this is done using a questionnaire. For higher-quality modeling, however, it is advisable to question the persons concerned in the form of interviews, during which the individual statements are calibrated. To prevent misuse, the surveys should also be reflected in a joint workshop with all the people involved.

In order to predict the behavior, an initial state is defined after the modeling, in which it is determined which actors bring certain information into the social constellation at the beginning (= information impulse). Subsequently, it is determined cyclically how the information is passed on from one person to the next and how the actors influence each other.

Expressiveness

Social impulse analysis provides a meaningful prognosis for a specific network or the recorded group. The more precisely the relationship structure (see also social relationship ) was modeled and the shorter the forecast period, the higher its probability of occurrence . As a result of the individuality of every social structure, generalizations or conclusions about other groups as well as prognoses that reach far into the future are not expedient. Although, given the free will of the actors, a one hundred percent reliable statement cannot be obtained, the simulation result describes a highly probable development for the specific social constellation. The situation is similar here to the weather forecast: If all signs point to rain, there is of course a residual chance that the sun will shine. In any case, it is advisable to take an umbrella with you.

Apart from forecasting future scenarios, social impulse analysis is also suitable for dealing with existing team conflicts. The method can be understood as a diagnostic procedure that makes real structures and their effects over time visible. This knowledge alone can put teams in a position to deal with social problem areas themselves. Social Impulse Analysis also supports the reflection and optimization of appropriate measures before they are implemented in reality.

Application examples

  • Determination of the real communication channels of informal organizational structures
  • Predict the impact of certain organizational changes
  • Identification of key people and influencers
  • Recognition of problems in teams (split-offs, loners, camp formation, ...)
  • Illustration of the influencing structure of business customers for targeted communication in sales

literature

Sociometry:

  • JL Moreno: The Basics of Sociometry: Ways to Reorganize Society. 4th edition. Leske + Budrich, Opladen 1995.

Social impulse analysis:

  • R. Grimm, E. Krainz: Teams are predictable: Successful communication through knowledge of relationship patterns. Gabler Verlag, Wiesbaden 2011.
    • Chapter 4: The Social Impulse Analysis
    • Chapter 5: Social Impulse Analysis in Practice

Social network analysis:

  • S. Wasserman, K. Faust: Social Network Analysis: Methods and Applications. Cambridge University Press, New York 1994.

Complex social structures, social systems:

  • R. Grimm: Simply complex: New challenges in project management. VS Verlag for Social Sciences, Wiesbaden 2009.
  • N. Luhmann: Social Systems: Outline of a General Theory. Suhrkamp, ​​Frankfurt am Main 1987.
  • N. Luhmann: in: D. Baecker (Hrsg.): Introduction to the system theory. 3. Edition. Carl-Auer, Heidelberg 2006.
  • F. Malik: Systemic management, evolution, self-organization: basic problems, functional mechanisms and solution approaches for complex systems. 4th edition. Haupt, Bern 2004.
  • PM Senge: The fifth discipline: the art and practice of the learning organization. 10th edition. Klett-Cotta, Stuttgart 2006.
  • KE Weick: The process of organizing. Suhrkamp, ​​Frankfurt am Main 1995.

See also