In BA Brew Episode 118, Jonathan Hunsley is joined by Michelle, Fiona and Carlos to explore why informal networks and workplace gossip play a much bigger role in organisations than we often realise – and how they directly influence change and stakeholder behaviour.

They discuss how informal communication creates a “safe space” for people during change, how gossip can be both positive and negative, and why information often spreads more effectively through networks than through formal channels. The conversation also explores how Business Analysts can recognise, understand and work with these networks to improve engagement, sense-check ideas, and support successful change.

For Business Analysts, informal networks are not just background noise. They shape how people think, feel and respond to change. Understanding them helps build trust, uncover hidden insights, identify potential risks early, and ultimately deliver change that works in the real world.

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AssistKD’s practical Business Analysis training courses help your teams navigate informal networks, understand organisational culture, and support change more effectively. Explore the most relevant options below:

• BCS Stakeholder Engagement > Develop the skills to identify, analyse and engage stakeholders effectively throughout the business change lifecycle.
• BCS Digital Business Change > Deepen your understanding of the business change lifecycle and learn essential business change techniques.
• BCS Benefits Management and Business Acceptance > Learn how systems are tested for business acceptance and how business benefits are managed and delivered.
• BCS Modelling Business Processes > Learn how to model an organisation, redesign business processes and analyse tasks.

You might also like:

• BA Brew Ep. 26: Stakeholders — Explores how Business Analysts build and manage stakeholder relationships, including identifying key stakeholders, understanding their needs, and navigating the formal and informal dynamics that influence engagement and decision-making.
• BA Brew Ep. 36: If You Don’t Do Politics, Politics Will Do You — Explores how organisational politics and informal influence shape decision-making, relationships, and the flow of information within organisations.
• BA Brew Ep. 114: Communities of Practice — Explores how Communities of Practice create informal networks for sharing knowledge, building relationships, and influencing organisational learning beyond formal structures.