Interaction and collaboration in rural social work: A professional perspective based on social network analysis

Summary Rural social work is instrumental in addressing grassroots social issues and fostering rural community development, and an understanding of network structure can enhance service efficiency and quality. The research explores the effectiveness of rural social work by employing social network analysis within the project “Seven Colors of Light” in Village M, County A, China. The study analyzes interaction patterns among government agencies, professional social workers, and other stakeholders, emphasizing the need for an understanding of network structures to enhance service delivery efficiency and quality. Findings The findings underscore that government agencies hold central positions in the network. This centrality sometimes results in the marginalization of certain groups; however, it does not impede their participation or diminish the effectiveness of social workers who play a crucial bridging role in fostering collaboration. The network is described as dynamic and hierarchical, illustrating structured service delivery that is enabled by sustained efforts and the strategic use of resources and technology. Applications Social Network Analysis offers a rigorous structural approach to rural social work, enabling precise identification of key nodes and resource pathways, which optimizes intervention strategies and strengthens collaborative network effectiveness. It recommends that government agencies should develop more open communication mechanisms to enhance interactions and resource sharing. Additionally, future research should explore the integration of hierarchical management standards with the preservation of professional independence in social work to guarantee sustainable rural community well-being.