The Informal Organization: a Network Analysis Perspective

The paper illustrates the results of a research on the subject of the informal networks proposing the case study of the Euris Group, an Italian knowledge intensive company operating in the information systems industry. The research focused on the in-depth analysis of the informal structure of the company using the social network analysis. The methodology was used with the aim to enhance the comprehension of the informal organization and to identify the key (informal) roles and to support the integration and collaboration within and among the strategic groups of the company. In particular, the authors identified a new key (informal) role, called pilus prior (first lancer), synthesis of problem-solver, knowledge and accessibility attributes. The case suggests that pilus priors are the emerging leaders in the company. Finally, we provide some suggestions to increase the collaboration and the knowledge sharing and to align the formal structure to the informal one. These actions are suitable for the specific case but could be valid for any company.