Concepts and methodologies in SNA: Implications for employment relations research

This chapter introduces the most important concepts and methods used in social network analysis (SNA). With this aim in view, in a first section we introduce the main features and implications of the relational approach for the study of economic and social phenomena. Secondly, the chapter provides an overview of the key concepts and methods used by network analysts to operationalise these paradigmatic and theoretical aspects. Finally, the chapter explores how SNA has been applied to date in the field of employment relations. Based on this initial background information, the chapter aims to guide the reader through the book, opening the debate on the further integration of SNA and employment relations research.