This document discusses four types of people who are essential to organizations based on their roles in informal networks: 1) Central connectors who link people and provide critical information, 2) Boundary spanners who connect internal networks to other parts of the company and external organizations, 3) Information brokers who share information within subgroups to prevent segmentation, and 4) Peripheral specialists who possess specific expertise and are working to expand their networks. Research from HBR found that people with strong personal networks stay longer at companies, are more satisfied, and can boost productivity.

1. THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE
ORGANIZATIONS GO--OR
STOP.
-Cross and Prusak.
-Sai Manikanta

2. "It’s not what you know it’s who you
know". Informal networks are becoming the
source for obtaining information and getting
work done.

3. 1. CENTRAL CONNECTORS
– Link people with people
– Not formal leaders
– Know who can provide critical
information

4. 2. BOUNDARY SPANNERS
– Connect an informal network with other parts of the company and other organisations.
– Consult with, and advise individuals from all business units.
– A rare breed as they have breadth of intellectual experience and wealth of social contacts
and personality traits which allow them to be accepted by different groups

5. 3. INFORMATION BROKERS
– Keep different subgroups together to avoid segmentation
– Similar role the the BS but do this within a social network
– Indirect associations

6. 4. PERIPHERAL SPECIALISTS
– Anyone can turn to them for expertise
– They possess specific types of information/technical knowledge
– Executives often think this is a bad role as they are ‘expendable’
– They are often new hires who are trying to ‘get connected’
– work apart from most people in the network.

7. HBR FOUND THAT PEOPLE WITH
STRONG PERSONAL NETWORKS-
• Stay longer within the company.
• More satisfied with their jobs.
• Working with role-players will also improve their effectiveness.
• Boost productivity and help executives retain the people
who make their organisations grow.