Institutional Learning and Change Initiative

The following text is drawn from Taylor-Powell et al  (1998).

Sociograms

A sociogram is a diagram of social interaction between people or groups of people. It is a visual representation of linkages. Sociograms vary by the nature of the diagrammed connections which may be based on communication, face to face interaction, service provision, or formal collaborative agreements.

The most useful aspect of sociograms for evaluating collaboratives is their ability to show changes in networks and communication over time. Periodically diagramming the functioning networks a collaborative has established or channels of communication can show changes over time. It can also help identidy weak linkages or bottlenecks within a collaborative effort.

Source: Taylor-Powell, E., B. Rossing, et al. (1998). Evaluating Collaboratives: Reaching the potential. Program Development and Evaluation. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin-Extension: 190. http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/G3658-8.PDF