Being in a network opens up the possibility of living with a number of different perspectives, world views, mental models - essentially a number of differing realities. At the same time, being in a network also carries with it the possibility of creating shared space among these many differing realities. The issue in a network is determining what exactly is shared and how much is shared.
The virtue of a network is that it has the potential to be open to multiple realities. Networks can vary on how wide the scope of these differing perspectives can be. Quite often, there is a commonality around one issue and openness to multiple perspectives on many other issues. Sometimes, the commonality is simply the desire to be connected.
An organization is also a shared society, but the breadth of what is shared is narrow. In an organization, a group of people commit themselves to a particular production goal, particular values, a specific culture and a specific way of doing business together and with external others. One can easily call this a monolithic institution even in cases where organizations like the Digital Computer Company and Sony pride themselves on creating competition among units.
Facebook is an example of a network where people join together to share their common humanity, warmth and willingness to be in touch. One's friends or family do not necessarily share similar political, religious or ideological perspectives. One assumes that people who become "friends" do have some degree of commonality to begin with. Most people who are inviting friends would not be inviting others with a background in terrorism to join them.
Linked-In forges networks amongst people who have even less in common beyond the desire to develop professionally, increase their business, be respectful in their communication and be open to occasional contact with others.
The International Lawyers Network (ILN) is a global network of mid-size law firms who have joined together to enable international referrals on particular legal issues. The benefit is that each participating firm and individual lawyer gains the benefit that large firms have in spanning the globe and being able to offer international services to clients. The ILN avoids having duplicate law firms from the same geographical area offering competing services. Member law firms are vetted on trustworthiness and the willingness to participate in a cordial, warm environment - both virtually and face-to-face. Beyond that, individual lawyers can differ in a multitude of ways.
RE-AMP is a network of non-profits in the US Mid-West focused on reducing the role of non-zero emission coal plants. The boundary line of the network is drawn to include those opposing the use of coal and excluding utilities. Beyond that the agenda of each non-profit will vary.
Energy Action Network (EAN) is a Vermont-based network focused on increasing the use of renewable energy. EAN includes within its boundaries non-profits, businesses, government, financial institutions, academic institutions as well as utilities. The common focus is the pursuit of renewable energy captured in the overall goal: "90% renewable by 2050." Agendas and strategies of individual members will differ. The network avoids pushing on issues that will work against the core interests of members. As the Director of EAN has stated, "An ongoing challenge is to thread the needle by staying as diverse as we want and getting things done."
Within the overall boundaries of a network, people can differ on the interests they wish to pursue. The Boston Consortium of Higher Education has as its purpose reducing administrative and operating costs in the 13 plus higher education institutions in the Boston area. Some members will choose to join together to pursue maintenance issues while others will choose to work on IT or healthcare. What is in common among the invited members is a willingness to place collaboration ahead of ego.
Among the networks mentioned, one assumes that individual members differ on their stance to gun control, abortion, religion, favorite politician, legalized marijuana, the agreement with Iran, etc. When these fall outside of the specific purpose of the network, one need only be required to respect the other as a person who has a differing reality.
Can networks be developed that have as their purpose bridging a given divide? Can one create an ongoing network among pro and anti-abortion advocates to focus on the topic of abortion. In most cases, likely not. Can one create a network of Jews who hate Arabs and Arabs who hate Jews. Likely not. One could, however, create a network of Jews and Arabs who while differing in many substantive ways are willing to respect and listen to each other and work collaboratively on a shared interest such as reducing global warming. One might create a network among those simply willing to exchange viewpoints and be open to their shared humanity.
Networks have the potential to build a membership of multiple realities. In such cases, what is held in common is the willingness to respect these multiple realities, work to develop trust with others as well as to develop the interpersonal and collaborative skills to exist together as a network. There should be a willingness to work together to maintain the network container and be open to what emerges.
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