Understanding (in) formal health and wellbeing networks within higher education: a mixed-method social network perspective

• DOI: 10.1007/s10734-023-01158-x
• Publication Date: 2023-12-11T03:02:01Z
• Authors: Nils Swindell; Jennifer Thomas; Jeremy Tree; Denise Hill; Joanne Hudson; Gareth Stratton
• Keywords: Cohesion (chemistry); Institution; Social network (sociolinguistics)

Abstract In response to increasing concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of university students staff, policy aims have shifted towards a ‘whole-university approach’ wellbeing. This advocates for culture wherein are key priority across all levels (individual, societal, environmental). Thereby, responsibility is distributed institution, requiring contributions from staff irrespective whether central their role. Consequently, boundaries expertise can be unclear, while individual professional capacity opportunity influence consistency support. Effective governance whole-university approach requires an understanding complex network ‘actors’ in system cohesively deliver strategic objectives. mixed-methods case study one Higher Education Institution (HEI) employed social analysis (SNA) identify structures connections between who promote Qualitative follow-up explored factors associated with prominence, cohesion informal formal structures, overall perceptions network. An 211 actors was identified, revealing disparities structures. Prominence attributed both extrinsic (e.g. workplace leadership) intrinsic rewards) factors, perceived provide value by cohesive collaborative working. However, findings also indicate need raise awareness improve membership engagement.