Nowadays, the word " Networks" directly conjures up particular mental pictures: telecommunication networks, Internet, e-commerce, computer networks, financial networks, railway networks, motorway networks, company networking etc.

However, above all, it exists other, less tangible networks: professional, friend networking, formal networks, informal networks, colleague networks, influence networks, in a nutshell: human networks.

Just as the systemic approach is a dimension that organisations cannot afford to miss in their search for development, the approach through the networks is another dimension that goes along with an approach through the systems.

As a matter of fact, a system takes up a particular behaviour depending on the joined action of all its parts. This characteristic explains the necessity for the parts to relate to one another. It is essential to acknowledge these relations in order to understand the global dynamics.

In order to achieve a global view reflecting the state of the system under observation, the interactions between the constituent parts and the prospective relations with other systems must be taken into account. It will only then be possible to understand the successive states of a system and in doing so understand the primary transformation causes and not only notice the effects.

The observation of a network configuration and the relations existing between its different constituents will allow to deduct the influences, the interactions, the exchanges, the reactions leading the observed systems to a new state.

Why is it important for an organisation to understand the networks?

Because the actives of an organisation aiming at delivering a product or a service are interdependent and are carried out by individuals interacting with one another. Often, one can even observe a dependence between the activities in question and therefore and consequently, between the individuals.

Because of these interdependencies, any process needs numerous secondary activities. Their purpose will be to assist, moderate and control the co-operative connections.

The observation and comprehension of all these relations, this interdependence within the networks allows a better grasp on the way to introduce change within the networks.