Closeness Centrality | Network Encyclopedia
What is Closeness Centrality?
Closeness Centrality measures how close a node is to all other nodes in the network, based on the shortest paths. A node with high Closeness Centrality has shorter average distances to other nodes, making it well-positioned to quickly access or disseminate information throughout the network.
An Example of a Closeness Centrality
In a corporate collaboration network, an employee with high Closeness Centrality may have direct or efficient connections to multiple teams, enabling them to distribute updates or gather feedback faster than others. This makes them a valuable asset for improving communication and reducing delays.
Why Use Closeness Centrality?
Closeness Centrality highlights nodes that are strategically positioned for efficient communication or resource distribution. Organizations can use this measure to identify key players for roles requiring fast dissemination of information, such as coordinators or messengers, and to design strategies that leverage these individuals effectively.