Social network analysis in business and management research: A bibliometric analysis of the research trend and performance from 2001 to 2020

In the past years, research in Social Network Analysis (SNA) has increased. Initially, the research area was limited to sociology and anthropology but has now been used in numerous disciplines. The business and management discipline has many potentials in employing the SNA approach due to enormous relational data, ranging from employees, stakeholders to organisations. The study aims to analyse the research trend, performance, and the utilisation of the SNA approach in business and management research. Bibliometric analysis was conducted by employing 2,158 research data from the Scopus database published from 2001 to 2020. Next, the research quantity and quality were calculated using Harzing's Publish or Perish while VOSviewer visualised research topics and cluster analysis. The study found an upward trend pattern in SNA research since 2005 and reached the peak in 2020. Generally, six subjects under the business and management discipline have used SNA as a methodology tool, including risk management, project management, supply chain management (SCM), tourism, technology and innovation management, and knowledge management. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the study is the first to examine the performance and analysis of SNA in the overall business and management disciplines. The findings provide insight to researchers, academicians, consultants, and other stakeholders on the practical use of SNA in business and management research.

Automated summary

Research in Social Network Analysis (SNA) has been increasing in recent years, showing a rising trend in business and management disciplines. The study found six subjects under business and management that have utilized SNA as a methodology tool, with a trend towards increased use in various fields.