1. A computer-implemented method of monitoring instant messaging usage comprising: identifying an instant messaging session between a plurality of participants; selecting a participant in the instant messaging session; identifying at least one attribute of the instant messaging session and weighting the attribute of the instant messaging session; identifying at least one attribute of the selected participant and weighting the attribute of the selected participant; determining an organizational distance between the selected participant and at least one other participant within an organizational hierarchy; determining an instant messaging usage metric for the selected participant according to at least the weighted attribute of the instant messaging session, the weighted attribute of the selected participant, and the organizational distance between the selected participant and the at least one other participant; and outputting the instant messaging usage metric of the selected participant.