Blog: 'One cannot manage a network'

April 27, 2011 - ‘We have people, that’s all we have,’ this phrase was easy to miss in Rosemarie Wuite’s presentation on April 13th at the Working Conference for Network Practitioners. Nevertheless, it articulates perfectly how Niza has built the network  with her African partners

This network is all about the people and the confidence they share in their cooperation. Trust feeds ownership. Alas, this does not come naturally. It has cost Niza two years to build a network in which they consciously chose a facilitating role in the background in order to let initiatives within the network bubble.

Focus on trust
The participants of the working conference recognized the importance of trust and ownership for a healthy network. A network thrives on the quality of the relations in it. But how can one manage this? Accountability of results, donor demands and power relations do not always help. How strong does the emphasis on a formal structure need to be  in order to direct a network without obstructing its flexibility and new initiatives. These were a few of the dilemmas raised in the discussion.

The Agri-ProFocus network, as presented by Hedwig Bruggeman, offers a strong structure for information exchange between professionals. Its 7 country networks in Africa are supported by Dutch development organizations. Agri-ProFocus’ advice is not to waste any energy on keeping everyone aboard. Sometimes frogs jump from the proverbial wheelbarrow, but at other times frogs jump in. New people will join depending on their necessities. The offer has to be good and the success of your network is determined by the way it is facilitated.  

Networks should not be ruled from above
The gathering was organized with MDF because PSO, as well as MDF work with Eelke Wielinga. At the event Eelke gave an introduction about the instruments needed for analysis of a network’s dynamics. Networks differ from normal organizations because the goal of a network is dependent on the shared ambitions of its members. This can not be ruled from above.

In order to sharpen your skills in steering networks PSO and MDF offer trainings. MDF is offering a three week course in June. PSO will start its training course - for the third consecutive year- for development organization employees in September.  This years training has a whole new design with a stronger emphasis on action perspective which can directly be implemented in their work practice with partners.

For more information please read our announcement (Dutch). Additionally PSO organizes a closing seminar for the TLP (thematic learning program) Networks on June 10th. Possibly this TLP will be continued. For more information please contact Koen Faber (faber@pso.nl).

The growing interest in learning more about networks shows in the Working Conference for Network Practitioners’ large attendance. There are many networks, but there is a great need for more insight in how to steer and guide them. Maybe it’s not even about managing networks. Quoting one of the attendees: ‘Networks cannot be managed, they should be facilitated. And that can be managed.’  

Read more: Networks: manage your (arranged) marriage or just love and tango with the flow.

Read our announcement: Working with Networks (2011) 
Learn more about the seminar: Dynamics of Networks (June 10th 2011)