My Linkedin Network Metrics

Below is a list of measures for my egocentric network. The bar represents my percentile compared to other users. The percentiles are more informative than the raw values. Given that online networks are much larger and more disperse than those reported in network surveys, the raw values appear to be very low, as these measures were initially calibrated for smaller networks. (LinkedIn networks are only a subset of people's actual contacts, and that these links might not be as informative as other types of network data, so any inferences should be discounted appropriately).

Absolute Size: 94.42%

499; This is the total number of contacts you have. It is not as informative as my unique (or 'effective') ties. The quality of my network isn't just about the total number of people you know, but the information, opportunities, and social support they provide. These factors are correlated with the structure of the ties between my contacts, not just their raw number.

Effective Size: 80.33%

454.7; This is the 'effective size' of my network. Not every contact counts the same or adds the same value to my network. Some ties are 'redundant' because you both know all of the same people. They are not necessarily giving you unique information. This measure controls for that fact and gives an estimate of the unique number of clusters you are connected to.

Network Constraint: 58.98%

0.79/100; This is an index measure that describes the extent to which my network spans different groups (i.e. bridging structural holes) or is concentrated in one or two areas. As the number approaches 100, you are in a closed, or focused network. As it approaches 0, my network is more open/dispersed, indicating that you have more vision across social groups. Disconnected contacts may expose you to new information, but closure is required to develop a reputation or generate trust, among other things.

Density: 75.46%

2.22/100; This is a percentage that represents the number of ties between my contacts divided by the total number of possible ties (i.e. how 'dense' or closed my network is). As the number approaches 100, it means that all of my contacts know each other. As it approaches 0, it means all of my contacts are disconnected from each other. Having a closed network can be good or bad depending on the task and social environment.

Hierarchy: 42.33%

0.31/100; This number is a concentration index that represents how dependent you are on a few focal contacts. If all of my contacts know you through my boss or parent, then you have a 'hierarchical' network, and are dependent on them. This can work well in situations where you are considered an 'outsider' and need a strategic partner to get in the door, but is generally considered a handicap.

Betweenness: 80.82%

116826.4; This number represents the number of structural holes, or bridging opportunities, to which you have exclusive access. You have exclusive access to a structural hole if you lie on the shortest path between two contacts in my network. If others in my network lie on an equidistant path between the two contacts, then you each own a proportional amount. This number is typically quite large, and is presented in raw form in order to emphasize the opportunities you have to move information between people in my network who don't know each other.

prepared using https://socilab.com