Whether in the healthcare, administrative or practically any sector, networking is essential, which is why it is important to identify the concept and know in more detail what we are talking about.
What is a network?
A network is a social structure composed of people, organizations or other entities, which are connected by one or more types of relationships, such as friendship, kinship, common interests, economic exchanges, emotional relationships, or that share beliefs, knowledge or prestige. , it is important not to confuse with the “social network services” like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, which are instruments at the service of networks.
Networks are forms of social interaction, social spaces of coexistence and connectivity, open and horizontal systems. They bring together groups of people who identify with the same needs and problems. When we enter a network we must have something to offer, the objective is not to get together, they are born for something, for a common objective, they grow and develop as they move towards that objective.
Goals of networking
Networking is justified by different objectives, among which we highlight generating greater efficiency, achieving better coordination between the components of the value chain, as well as to better organize the internal information of the organization, with the purpose of generating value for the user and at the same time, generate differential knowledge that allows us to transform creativity into innovation (Cornella, 2003).
Networking is a different way of doing things, which involves building relationships, learning, and complicity (Jara, 2001). It becomes a fundamental element, the process of constructing the space for common action, it is essential to have common objectives, which represent challenges to be achieved with joint effort, the essential element are the objectives and networking itself. There can be various forms of coordination, in which each member contributes what they know most, through specific actions, projects and lines of work. Without action, without contribution from members, we have no network.
Features of networking
One of the keys to the success of a network is to take advantage of the diversities of its members. We should not assume that all the people and organizations gathered around an objective agree on the way in which it should be achieved, or the degree to which it should be met, and of course, much less on issues outside the objective. We must strive to find all possible points of convergence, including ““minimum agreements” based on the criterion that no one has the whole truth or the whole error, promoting a dynamic and spirit of mutual learning and collaboration. Sharing what each one knows, listening to learn what others know.
In networks, it is important to promote processes and mechanisms of knowledge accumulation: keep records and memories of what has been done, synthesize agreements, record activities and evaluations. If the network experience is not recorded, knowledge is diluted and disappears, at most, it remains in individual learning. Capacities grow in this way for all the people and groups that participate and not only for a group that exercises and imposes its decisions.
The networking construction process is not linear or regular; It is asymmetrical and variable. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a very intense communication dynamic, which nourishes the possibility of being in contact, contributing and receiving contributions, using all possible forms and means.
In networking, principles such as horizontality, synergy (complementarity-union of forces), autonomy, participatory belonging, involvement, commitment, etc. stand out.
Networking and mediation
Network practices in mediation allow us to work on the problem and integrate a network of effectors into the consultation system, coordinating a feedback interaction.
Mediation is a game of chance where the strange cards of perception are shuffled and only the color and shapes of each hand give coherence to the game, under the skillful dynamics of the mediator who conducts it.
From the International School of Mediation, in the health specialty, we continue working, strengthening and deepening concepts like the one I just explained to you, fundamental for the development of a quality and humanized profession.
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The message that is being sent to us is, among others, interaction on the networks with a purpose, above all, educational and constructive. Well, education is the fundamental basis for the development of people in society. Helps good communication between people; as well as the construction of a better society.
To this end, the interaction in networks and their coordination between the members who interact there serves to gradually build a way of working, of communicating our knowledge, always, of course, thinking about learning from others. From a humble point of view, and, above all, exposing our knowledge and the work done, to, together, build something better, and, finally, a higher quality work.