A social capital map uses business network analysis techniques to elicit the capacity of an organisation to effectively engage in its activities. It provides the ability to examine quantitatively, qualitatively, and graphically the linkages between nodes, where nodes are individuals. A connection between two or more nodes means there is some sort of relationship and information is passed between them. Social capital maps provide a powerful way to understand how work is actually done in an organisation.

A Social Capital Map reveals the informal and the formal networks of an organisation using the individual as the unit of analysis. It allows the networks to be evaluated, measured and supported. Specifically a social capital map can be used to:

• Assess the state of social capital by identifying individual trust, support, and advice networks.
• Assess the state of social capital by identifying individuals who have central roles, such as key knowledge brokers.
• Support social capital by identifying potential partnerships and connecting people to people to ensure effective knowledge creation and sharing.
• Improve decision making in senior leadership and middle-management networks by identifying and correcting structural holes in personal networks.

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