More about the key characteristic ‘Networks of people and resources’

Networks are…

A public platform for individuals and organizations to identify their support of a shared concern and/or strongly desired change. The network acts as a meeting ground for individuals, groups, and/or organizations that align around a shared concern or strongly desired change. Through their membership and participation, they can share information, make contacts, build capacity and find potential partners with others doing similar work (International Council for Nurses, 2010).

A type of social capital of groups of similar and diverse people participating together in change. Groups of people work together in a network because of their shared values and social norms; this is referred to as social capital (Campbell, 2020; Claridge, 2018; Hofmeyer & Marck, 2008). Social capital can be classified into three categories as described in the table below.

Categories of social capital

Type of social capital Characteristics Strengths Potential negative consequences Greatest asset

Bonding

 Connections within a group of individuals (e.g., an intra-professional team of nurses)
  • Shared social identity and purpose
  • High level of trust 
  • Strong ties based on similarities
  • Can help people to manage their environment
  • Promote self-interests only
  • Is exclusive (i.e., a network that is not open to others who are not part of the group)
 Building collective identity
Bridging Connections between diverse groups of individuals (e.g., an interprofessional team of nurses, therapists, and kinesiologists) 
  • Diverse knowledge and information
  • Openness to other groups
  • Opportunity to meet individuals from different social and professional backgrounds who may have more status or power
Weak ties among network members Engaging in knowledge exchange
Linking Connections between groups of people with differences in power and status or across vertical networks (e.g., frontline staff and members of a senior leadership team)
  • Diverse knowledge
  • Vertical interactions between people and their leaders due to hierarchy
  • Weak ties among network members
  • Hierarchical, power differences
 Leveraging resources, knowledge and alliances

SOURCES: Campbell, 2020; Claridge, 2018; Hofmeyer & Marck, 2008.

Understanding the types of social capital and their strengths and consequences can indicate who is needed in a network and its implications; for example, if the purpose of the network is knowledge exchange, bridging social capital is an asset, however, bonding social capital will be limited in this area (Campbell, 2020; Claridge, 2018; Hofmeyer & Marck, 2008).