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Supporting Cross-Company Networks in Workplace Health Promotion through Social Network Analysis—Description of the Methodological Approach and First Results from a Model Project on Physical Activity Promotion in Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Schaller

    (Working Group Physical Activity-Related Prevention Research, Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Muengersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany)

  • Gabriele Fohr

    (IQIB–Institut für Qualifizierende Innovationsforschung & -beratung, Wilhelmstraße 56, 53474 Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany)

  • Carina Hoffmann

    (Working Group Physical Activity-Related Prevention Research, Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Muengersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
    Institute for Occupational Health Promotion, Neumarkt 35-37, 50667 Cologne, Germany)

  • Gerrit Stassen

    (Working Group Physical Activity-Related Prevention Research, Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Muengersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany)

  • Bert Droste-Franke

    (IQIB–Institut für Qualifizierende Innovationsforschung & -beratung, Wilhelmstraße 56, 53474 Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Germany)

Abstract

Cross-company networking and counseling is considered to be a promising approach for workplace health promotion in small and medium-sized enterprises. However, a systematic and empirical approach on how such networks can be developed is lacking. The aims of the present paper are to describe the approach of a social network analysis supporting the development of a cross-company network promoting physical activity and to present first results. In the process of developing the methodological approach, a common understanding of the nodes and edges within the project was elaborated. Based on the BIG-model as the theoretical framework of the project, five measuring points and an application-oriented data collection table were determined. Using Gephi, network size, degree, and distance measures, as well as density and clustering measures, were calculated and visualized in the course of the time. First results showed a continuous expansion and densification of the network. The application experience showed that the application of social network analysis in practical cross-company network development is promising but currently still very resource intensive. In order to address the current major challenges and enable routine application, the development of an application-oriented and feasible tool could make an essential contribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Schaller & Gabriele Fohr & Carina Hoffmann & Gerrit Stassen & Bert Droste-Franke, 2021. "Supporting Cross-Company Networks in Workplace Health Promotion through Social Network Analysis—Description of the Methodological Approach and First Results from a Model Project on Physical Activity P," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-15, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:13:p:6874-:d:582931
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Aoife De Brún & Eilish McAuliffe, 2018. "Social Network Analysis as a Methodological Approach to Explore Health Systems: A Case Study Exploring Support among Senior Managers/Executives in a Hospital Network," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-11, March.
    2. Vincent Miele & Catherine Matias & Stéphane Robin & Stéphane Dray, 2019. "Nine quick tips for analyzing network data," PLOS Computational Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(12), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Linnan, L. & Bowling, M. & Childress, J. & Lindsay, G. & Blakey, C. & Pronk, S. & Wieker, S. & Royall, P., 2008. "Results of the 2004 National Worksite Health Promotion Survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(8), pages 1503-1509.
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