Pattama Suphunnakul. Social network analysis : a case study of anti-drug addiction networks in Suphanburi province Thailand. Doctoral Degree(Population Education ). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2007.
Social network analysis : a case study of anti-drug addiction networks in Suphanburi province Thailand
Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to analyze components of anti addiction networks in
Suphanburi province, Thailand and to study the relationships between members of the networks
both governmental and public sector, during April 2005 January 2006. The samples were 76 anti
drug addiction networks selected by multistage random sampling. Data collection was obtained
by questionnaires and data analysis was explored by Net Miner.
The results indicated that the government anti-drug networks had greater size and
members than those of public anti-drug networks (28:17). However, the density was less than
those of the public networks (0.469:0.872). It is also found that the social interaction plan was
different between government networks and public networks. The social interaction of government
networks consisted of 3 possibilities 1) isolation, 2) structure hole, or 3) neither isolation nor
structure hole, namely a normal network. On the other hand, public networks had a normal
network in every network. Regarding to members connectedness both in government and public
networks, members in public networks were more likely to be stronger than those of the
government networks. When considering the density of anti-drug networks, it was found that they
could be classified into 3 groups. Group 1 had an average density of 0.896 within 36 networks
(government : public = 9:27). Group 2 showed a density of 0.462 within 31 networks (government
: public = 24:7). The last group had a density of 0.351 within 9 networks (government : public =
8:1). Group 3, with the highest density, was a more effective network; therefore, Group 1 and 2
would increase network effectiveness if they increased their density.
Recommendations: 1) Policy : The relevant institutes should establish a specific office for
monitoring, supporting, assisting, and solving problems of a network when the network is initiated,
2) Networks: Roles and responsibilities should be clearly planned for network members and
members should share in the learning process. Members should also be encouraged to understand
the shared benefits. Members should interact positively and be motivated to continuously conduct
activities of the networks.