Networking and Network Theory

Networking is a process by which individuals and/or organizations connect with one another for ideas or resources toward the achievement of a specific goal. Networking most commonly begins when a person with a need connects with another who has a resource. A network is defined as an interpersonal relationship that links together people, places, objects, or events. Since networks do not have a boundary, they can add or subtract members with ease and fluidity. The use of technology as a medium for communication, such as the Internet, has greatly expanded opportunities for network analysts.

Networks consist of informal sources (comprised of one's personal network) as well as formal sources (organizations and sources where one would expect to receive information). Both formal and informal sources of support have a structure and hierarchy to them. While the structure and hierarchy of one's informal network can be viewed as a spider web that overlaps and interacts with other spider webs, a formal network can be easily envisioned as “who talks to who to get what” in organizational flow charts. One should envision how computer networks talk to each other as a way of seeing networking in action. Network analysts differentiate between primary sources, also identified as the “first-order zone,” consisting of all people connected directly to a particular individual; and secondary sources, those who “know someone who knows someone”; and into the third, fourth, and zones beyond. Networks are very complex. Typical informal networks consist of several hundred to thousands of people. An informal network includes one's relatives, colleagues, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances.

On an organizational level, networking provides a structure that maintains the autonomy of individual organizations yet still makes it possible to have partnerships that provide resources through collaborative sharing. Networking furnishes a way to accomplish tasks through informal means. Network analysis provides a way to examine the dynamics of the relationship between an individual and the school organization. Networking provides a way to informally share information or communicate throughout an organization, such as a school system. It is believed that the informal, open nature of networking may enhance greater creativity and productivity.

The hallmarks of networking, such as “It's not what you know, but who you know” and “It's a small world,” can be seen in films and in many popular games such as “six degrees of separation”—the idea that anyone can be reached through fewer than six people. On a practical level, there are many advantages to networking. Networking allows people and organizations the ability to maintain a balance between their independence and their reliance on one another. The boundaries that separate them are open.

Members of networks are usually peers of one sort or another. They are not conferring through a complicated hierarchy as a subordinate, but rather talking to one friend who knows another friend. The tone of the interaction is much more comfortable and relaxed.

Networking promotes horizontal, open communication. This allows for ideas and conversations to traverse across cultural and organizational barriers. This model [Page 698]of communication provides a means to communicate with people that had previously been separate. Often, networks have been formed on the basis of shared interest and vision, making it ideal for social service and educational programming.

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