Tool 182: Sociogram


AKA

Interaction Diagram, Sociometric Diagram

Classification

Team Building (TB)

Tool description

The sociogram is an interaction diagram that illustrates intrateam communication patterns, interpersonal dynamics, and compatibility among team participants. Introduced by J. L. Moreno in 1934, the sociogram is helpful in promoting partnerships, team cohesiveness, and mutual acceptance; it therefore allows more participation and openness in teams.

Typical application

  • To diagram a team's interpersonal relationships and cooperation.

  • To obtain an understanding of intrateam interactions and acceptance of team participants.

Problem-solving phase

Select and define problem or opportunity

Identify and analyze causes or potential change

Develop and plan possible solutions or change

Implement and evaluate solution or change

Measure and report solution or change results

Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

Research/statistics

Creativity/innovation

Engineering

Project management

Manufacturing

Marketing/sales

Administration/documentation

3

Servicing/support

2

Customer/quality metrics

1

Change management

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links to other tools

before

  • Demographic Analysis

  • Circles of Influence

  • Audience Analysis

  • Organization Mapping

  • Observation

after

  • Critical Dialogue

  • Relationship Map

  • Rotating Roles

  • Pair Matching Overlay

  • Resource Histogram

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Notes and key points

  • Sociogram legend:

    click to expand

  • A variation of showing interactions is to draw the number of choices (mentions) given or received:

    click to expand

  • Limit to 10 the number of people in a sociogram.

Step-by-step procedure

  • STEP 1 Periodically, the team facilitator, coach, or a designated team participant performs observations of team behavior and interpersonal communications.

  • STEP 2 Notes on communication patterns, acceptance, and rejection, "who interacts with whom" (Moreno), and amount of participation are collected.

  • STEP 3 Next, a sociogram is drawn and shared with the team. An open discussion follows on ways to improve the team's performance.

  • STEP 4 A list of possible improvements is developed.

Example of tool application

click to expand




Six Sigma Tool Navigator(c) The Master Guide for Teams
Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams
ISBN: 1563272954
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 326

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