Network Centrality (Betweenness, Closeness, Degree)

Three complementary measures of a node's importance in a network. Degree centrality: how many direct connections you have (the 'connector'). Closeness centrality: how few steps to reach anyone in the network (the 'accessible' person). Betweenness centrality: how many shortest paths between other nodes pass through you (the 'broker'—Burt's structural holes). Each measure captures a different type of influence: degree measures popularity, closeness measures reach, and betweenness measures control over information flow. A person can be high on one and low on others.

When to use it

When analyzing your own network position and strategic influence; when designing organizational communication structures; when identifying key people in a network (influencers, connectors, brokers); when network analysis would reveal hidden power structures or communication bottlenecks.

How it can help

Map your network position on all three dimensions. High degree (many connections) doesn't guarantee high betweenness (control of information flow)—you might be deeply connected within one cluster but not bridging between clusters. For maximum strategic influence, optimize betweenness: position yourself between groups that don't otherwise connect. For maximum reach, optimize closeness: reduce the number of hops to anyone in the network. For maximum social capital, optimize degree: build many direct relationships. Different goals require different network strategies.