What Are Networks?
"Network” is one of many labels for the different ways that people and groups organize to affect change. At Collective Mind, we define networks as organizing models that integrate participants who have common interests and work together to achieve shared goals. We use this term inclusively to encompass the different types of organizing models that exist for connecting and facilitating interactions between people or organizations who define and collaborate to achieve a shared purpose.
Read more about how we define networks.
Our Framework
We developed a proprietary Network Diagnostic Framework that serves as the foundation for how we think about networks and that is integrated into all of our work. The conceptual framework defines three core components of networks.
This framework is a way to understand what a network is, how it functions, and what it needs in place to do so optimally.
The network capacities in particular are the building blocks of effective networks:
Check out our Introduction to Networks and Network Management training to learn more about our Network Diagnostic Framework and how we think about network management.
Read more about network capacities: What capacities do networks need to succeed?
Read more about network functions and organizational functions: Form follows function follows shared purpose: network functions and backbone roles