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The many varieties of networks in business: Net Work - A Practical Guide to Creating and Sustaining Networks at Work and in the World

Ross Dawson, September 4, 2007 3:59 PM US PT

I’ve known Patti Anklam for many years now, as she has played a central network role in the global knowledge management and social network communities. After creating much content in the form or articles and reports, Patti has finally released a book which provides a comprehensive view of how networks are applied business and organizations, titled Net Work: A Practical Guide to Creating and Sustaining Networks at Work and in the World

My summary thoughts on the book appear on the back cover:

“Understanding and leading networks are critical competences for today’s business leaders. Anklam has broken new ground by bringing together diverse perspectives and case studies into a deeply practical guide to creating value in networks.”

What most attracts me to the book is that it so pragmatic. There are far too many business books that ultimately offer few insights into specific actions to take. Net Work both provides a deep understanding of the nature of networks, and also practical steps on how to tap their value.

Patti has also achieved something important that I don’t think has been done well before: provide an overview of the many different facets of network thinking and methodologies that are relevant to organizations. Through her own broad personal network, she is familiar with and been able to draw on the thinking of Rob Cross in organizational networks, Verna Allee in value networks, Valdis Krebs in network analysis, Laurie Lock Lee in industry networks, Dave Snowden in complexity, Mark Bonchek in network facilitation and far more.

Taking the subheadings in Chapter 3 on Purpose, Patti has provided a nice overview of the different types of networks, from the lens of what they are trying to achieve:
IDEA NETWORKS
Innovation
Advocacy
LEARNING NETWORKS
Interest and information networks
Communities and networks of practice
Professional associations
Research networks
Local service-oriented nonprofit organizations
Global networks
Regional economic networks
BUSINESS NETWORKS
Supplier networks
Alliances, partnerships, and trade associations
Independent business and consulting networks and alliances
Customer user groups
Leadership networks
Strategic change

To focus in on just one key insight developed in detail in the book, Chapter 7 on Net Work: Design covers the critical issue of how to design networks to support their purpose. This is something I think is often missing in network efforts, or is undermined by poor understanding of how networks function. Over the next years the practice of network design and leadership (I don’t think management is the right word here…) will become increasingly prominent.

Patti has done a great job here. A highly recommended book for anyone who wants to understand network thinking and practice, or to implement initiatives to create value through networks.