Evaluating the Evolution of Social Networks: A Ten-Year Longitudinal Analysis of an Agricultural, Fishing and Forestry Occupational Health Research Center

Melissa B. Scribani, Pamela J. Tinc, Erika E. Scott, Julie A. Sorensen, Nancy H. Tallman and Anne M. Gadomski
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Melissa B. Scribani: Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
Pamela J. Tinc: Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
Erika E. Scott: Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
Julie A. Sorensen: Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
Nancy H. Tallman: Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA
Anne M. Gadomski: Bassett Medical Center, Bassett Research Institute, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 24, 1-12

Abstract: As part of our evaluation of the NIOSH-funded Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (NEC), we present methodology, findings and the potential implications of a sequential social network analysis (SNA) conducted over ten years. Assessing the effectiveness of the center’s scientific projects was our overarching evaluation goal. The evaluation design employed SNA to (a) look at changes to the center’s network over time by visualizing relationships between center collaborators annually, (b) document collaborative ties and (c) identify particularly strong or weak areas of the network. Transdisciplinary social network criteria were applied to the SNA to examine the collaboration between center personnel, their partners and the industry groups they serve. SNA participants’ perspectives on the utility of the SNA were also summarized to assess their interest in ongoing SNA measures. Annual installments of the SNA (2011–2020) showed an expansion of the network with a 30% increase in membership from baseline, as well as an increase in total relational ties (any type of contact). SNA measures also indicated significant increases in co-publication, cross-sector and transdisciplinary ties. Overall, SNA is an effective tool in visualizing and sustaining an occupational safety and health research and outreach network. Its utility is limited by how ties are characterized, grant cycle timeframes and how SNA metrics relate to productivity.

Keywords: social network analysis; transdisciplinary ties; research productivity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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