Harnessing the power of informal employee networks | Knowledge Management

Interesting article from The McKinsey Quarterly: Harnessing the power of informal employee networks. (Registration required).  Read it and/or look at this picture: 

Here is the synopsis: Most large corporations have dozens if not hundreds of informal networks, in which human nature, including self-interest, leads people to share ideas and collaborate.Informal networks are a powerful source of horizontal collaboration across thick silo walls, but as ad hoc structures their performance depends on serendipity and they can’t be managed.By creating formal networks, companies can harness the advantages of informal ones and give management much more control over networking across the organization.