People often ask about the person in the center of a network or a subgroup in a network: just because they have a lot arrows in and/or out doesn’t mean that they’re a great person, does it? Of course not! My answer (like those of an economics professor in a management course) is always, “It Depends.” You find out the context by interviewing those people and those they are connected to.

Now, just to provide that bit of fundamental knowledge based on research, we have an HBR article by Tiziana Casciaro and Miguel Sousa Lobo
Competent Jerks, Lovable Fools, and the Formation of Social Networks. The researchers provide insight into the dynamics of those people in organizations who may be part of the “social glue” but not necessarily be high performers, and those “stars” who may be difficult to work with. They also offer practical tips on how to manage and balance an organization that has all types of people.