(1983). Research Round-Up. Connections, 6 (2) - INSNA

JC PENNY FORUM, March 1983 . (Published by the JC Penny Co, Consumer Education Services, 1301 6thAve, NYC 10019) . Special issue on Networking .LIPNACK, Jessica and Jeffrey STAMPS . "Discovering networking ." Pp . 4-6 .(The authors) have recently completed a study of networks . From their observations, they have identifiedspecific characteristics & processes that seem to be a part of all networks . We asked themto summarize their findings for you .ADAMS, John . "Networking : a catalyst for change ." Pp . 8-9 .Networks of people are operating every day in all kinds of settings . People have contacts they cango to to get things done when the bureaucracy is moving too slowly . People use support networks tohelp them avoid problems or solve problems . Each of us has people we turn to for emotional support,advice, energizing, respect or intimacy . . . We will be more successful in implementing change ifwe begin by identifying the strong supporters of the idea & helping them to 'network' with each other .SALK, Jonas (Salk Inst, LaJolZa CA) . "From 'either/or' to 'and . "' Pp . 10-11 .We have grown up with competition but networks require cooperation . Our culture stresses the strengthof the individual, but to network we must believe in the importance of the group . . . Salk discusseshuman biological evolution to help us understand the social changes we are presently experiencing .SARASON, Seymour (Psych, Yale) . "Redefining self as a resource ." Pp . 12-13 .What is so heartening about a resource exchange network is how self-interest becomes transformed intoa personally & intellectually satisfying mutuality .FURJANIE, Sheila . "The networking game ." Pp . 15-17 .A board game whose object is to gather specific prices of 'information' (or cards) you are lookingfor & to share your 'information' with other players .KADUSHIN, Charles (Soc-CUNY Grad Ctr .) . "Networking : no panacea ." Pp . 18-19 .In general, informal networking works well mainly because it is a low-cost way of getting things doneefficiently . When the costs mount &/or the efficiency drops, formal arrangements, contracts & paymentsmay yet be the best way .PIERCE, Carol (New Dynamics Assocs ., N.H .) . "Behaviors that help." Pp . 20-21 .The behaviors that encourage collegial networking are not the same as those found in organizationalhierarchies .Eds ., "Networks that work ." Pp . 24-26 .We have chosen the following examples because they demonstrate the variety ofbreadth of reach & creativity of processes that networks may embody .goalsHARRIS, Philip ( Harris Int'Z, LaJolla, CA) . "Synergy ." Pp . 28-29 .Networks can bring together people from many organizations, many neighborhoods, &/or many nations .Each of these groups has its own culture--its own way of thinking, believing & doing . Dr . Harrisoffers some suggestions for bridging the differences so that diverse groups can work together .PARKER, Allen and Marianne HEDIN . (Ctr on Technology & Society, Cambridge, MA) . "Networks in education."Pp . 30-31 .