Social networks and coordination of expertise: a qualitative study

This preliminary research investigates the relationship between properties of social networks and coordination of sharing and access to expertise during disasters, which is extremely important in emergency response during disaster incidents. Therefore, knowing where specialized knowledge (expertise) is located, where it is needed and how it may be brought to bear in timely manner is extremely crucial. We also examine a theoretical model for the inherent role of social network structure, ties and position of actors for gaining access to and sharing of expertise. In this study, we explore specific questions such as-by: How centralization and efficiency in an individual's social network associate with coordination?, and Would network constraint and tie strength in an individual's social network negatively/positively associate with coordination?. The paper provides a theoretical account of how the social network-coordination model is developed and how the model has been preliminary validated by disaster management experts (CIO and managers) from State Emergency Services (SES), NSW, Australia. Results from semi-structured interviews with key managers from SES shows the significance of informal social network roles in their profession, especially for solving disaster management issues. Interviewees elaborate on the point of how social network directly enable their coordination at work. A research framework is also outlined in the conclusion section with directions for future social network analysis and research pathway.