Understanding communication networks: a key to productivity and performance

Z. Barsness, J. H. Michael, D. Glew

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Many wood-based materials manufacturers are utilizing work teams to increase productivity and meet today's myriad of competitive challenges. Work teams provide many advantages, yet have proven difficult to manage effectively. Dependent on the physical, human, and social capital, team performance is influenced by the social networks inherent among groups of employees. Using social network analysis, two case studies are analyzed to examine the impact and importance of social networks at two wood production facilities. The first case study illustrates the power that one employee gained through his communications network at a facility challenged by a multi-lingual work force. The second study used a social network analysis to investigate the lack of communications from union representatives to their members during a labor dispute. Several strategies for building and maintaining social networks are then discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages105-116
Number of pages12
StatePublished - Dec 1 1998
EventProceedings of the 1998 32nd International Particleboard/Composite Materials Symposium - Pullman, WA, USA
Duration: Mar 31 1998Apr 2 1998

Other

OtherProceedings of the 1998 32nd International Particleboard/Composite Materials Symposium
CityPullman, WA, USA
Period3/31/984/2/98

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Engineering(all)
  • Materials Science(all)

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