Organizational Network Analysis (ONA)

Workplace Effectiveness Change Architecture Organizational Network Analysis
Organizational Assessment Strategic Planning

See How Work Really Gets Done—Before Your Next Change

Informal networks drive up to 80% of performance. Yet most leaders plan change as if formal structure is what matters.

Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) makes invisible networks visible—so leaders can see how information, influence and work actually flow across the enterprise.

Organizational Analysis chart Expectation vs. Reality

What ONA Reveals That Traditional Analytics Miss

Drawing on leading research in systems and network dynamics, ONA shows how people truly:

Collaborate across boundaries
Share (or withhold) information
Solve problems when pressure rises
Influence decisions and adoption
Get work done—despite formal processes

Instead of averages, ONA exposes structural differences that drive outcomes: overload, bottlenecks, fragility and untapped resilience.

What Leaders Learn—Quickly and Credibly

ONA surfaces what leaders need to know but rarely see:

Who people actually go to for decisions and problem-solving
Where hidden risks and points of failure live
Which subject matter experts are isolated or underutilized
How communication really moves across silos
Who holds informal power and influence
Why some changes spread—and others stall
Where innovation and knowledge sharing break down

From “Change Readiness” to Network Readiness

ONA: Traditional Readiness vs. Network Readiness

ONA sets the stage for change success—before formal announcements are made.

ONA Works (Without Survey Fatigue)

Ahead of a transformation, we:

Map informal influencers, sense-makers, and blockers
Identify a small, credible “change spine” instead of hoping mass communication works
Surface assets and liabilities in your change network

A focused ONA—often as few as 10 questions over 2–3 weeks to reveal where change will accelerate or fracture.

Ready to See Your Organization Clearly?

If you’re planning a transformation—or wondering why past ones stalled—ONA provides the insight leaders need to act with confidence.

♦ Talk with Innolect about an Organizational Network Analysis
♦ Or read our article in Strategy+Business: Using a Network Strategy to Align a Multinational Organization

Explore Recent Blogs

Leadership Resolutions for the New Year

By Megan McGlothin | December 19, 2022

While many people are making resolutions to better themselves in the coming year, an area that does not get much focus is resolving to become a better leader. If you are in a leadership position of any kind, it is important to find ways to continuously improve, both for yourself and for your team. Below, […]

How Companies Can Support Employees’ Work-Life Integration

By Megan McGlothin | November 10, 2022

Providing the framework for employees to better achieve work-life integration will help them become more creative and boost their overall productivity. More importantly for the business, it can increase retention rates and reduce absenteeism. So, how can you as a leader and the company as a whole help to promote this integration? Ask About […]

5 Ways to Empower Women in the Workplace

By Megan McGlothin | September 21, 2022

Gender equality in the workplace has been shown to be undeniably beneficial for business. When women are recruited or promoted to teams and senior management, there is a boost in productivity, profitability, creativity and innovation, as well as overall improvement in decision making. Here are 5 ways to empower women and continue to close the […]