Systems thinking is an important perspective for all network leaders! A network is fundamentally a system, experiencing many of the same dynamics that other systems go through, including emergence, feedback loops, and interconnection. We've come across many insightful systems thinking quotes and sayings over our [...]
For those working in the field of social impact, building networks is part of the new normal. Creating partnerships with other organizations lets us share resources and knowledge, coordinate our action, and leverage diverse forms of value like influence and experience. However it is too [...]
https://youtu.be/phi5IWIBdiMVirtual Facilitation Doesn't Have to Be Difficult... Our Webinar Can Help! COVID-19 has changed the way network leaders meet and engage with each other. Given the very real need to avoid face-to-face interactions and socially distance, many are turning to virtual facilitation to fill the [...]
In network theory, a major focus of study is on the relative ‘openness’ of a network, and its relationship with network effectiveness. Specifically, people wonder whether the ideal is closed vs open networks. Coleman (1988) introduced a theory that claims tighter, densely interconnected, ‘closed’ networks [...]
People build networks for a reason, what we call their "network purpose." Some networks or alliances are extremely focused in what they address, while others take a more fluid approach and change their purpose over time. However, it's important to pick a purpose with intent [...]
Organizational networks bring together numerous different organizations to work together and collaborate around a common purpose. However there are many different types of organizational networks, each oriented towards different goals and contexts. If you're considering creating a network of partners, it's important to know they [...]
In the world of social impact, marketing is often viewed as a bit of a dirty word. However, at its core, marketing is about sharing what you have to offer with the world to build support for what you do. For a network, coalition or [...]
Community partnerships are a powerful force for good when it comes to social change and impact. Building new connections with community organizations provides new ideas, resources and ways of thinking that can help you make the world a better place, whether you're working to improve [...]
Visible Network Labs is constantly conducting new research into networks, including social connectedness, inter-organizational collaboration, cross-sector partnership, and community and public health. This new paper was introduced at the 2020 Journal of Health & Human Services Administration Symposium. As evidence emerges that health outcomes are determined [...]
Getting started on an organizational network analysis? It's not easy coming up with a plan on your own. A lot of people struggle coming up with organizational network analysis questions that will work for their goals. Our team has collectively spent decades conducting these analysis [...]
