A Typology Of Networks

I am interested in networks through which work is performed within an organization. However, I thought it would be useful to come up with a typology of networks in general. Here are my thoughts on this. I am interested in how others might see this.

Typology of Networks:

• Social network that exists outside the work context, e.g. Facebook.
• Network outside the work context that has to do with a given area of interest, e.g. baseball, flower arranging.
• Professional network that exists outside of work that helps you to share and to develop in your field, local bar association.
• Network that exists outside any one organizational context that has a value producing goal in mind. This network can include individuals and/or organizations, e.g. developing the Linux operating system. This could also be what in the past has been called a value chain of producers, suppliers, etc.
• Network that exists outside of an organizational context that is a support for doing your work, achieving your goals within the organizational context, e.g. local chamber of commerce.
• Network that exists in an organizational context as a social outlet, e.g. movie referral network.
• Network that exists within an organization as a support for doing your work. Not part of the core business process but a resource that you can turn to. This includes a focused network that deals with a given practice area, e.g. Community of Practice.
• Network within an organization that is integrated with the work process. You use the network in performing your work in order to achieve a certain goal.

 

Comments

[Verna Allee, CEO ValueNetworks.com]

Hello Barry, There are a number of network typologies around. Here is one that Steve Waddell and I developed together. He is one of the top experts in the world on global action networks. http://www.networkingaction.net/4.html

Cheers,
Verna Allee
Twitter @vernaallee