Question

Jacob and Margot are meeting again to discuss Jacob’s report on the current state of NewSky Services’ collaborative and networking practices, and his preliminary suggestions for action. Margot: ‘Firstly, thanks for all your hard work on this report, Jacob! I’ve taken it to our overseeing committee, who are very impressed with your suggestions.’ Jacob: ‘Great. I think we have a lot of room to expand our services and become more efficient through increased networking and participation. Where would you like me to go from here?’ Margot: ‘Based on your excellent work here, I’d like to put you in charge of our networking and collaborative practices as a project manager. What do you think we should do?’ Jacob: ‘Thanks very much! I’ll do my best. Taking this as a cohesive project is a good start, I think. I’d like to start by researching established networks and investigating potential collaborators.’ Margot: ‘I agree. Can you identify a number of established networks that could help us increase our services? There may also be collaborators locally that we could partner with.’ Jacob: ‘Absolutely. I’m excited to see where a commitment to networking and collaboration can take us.

9. How does understanding the values, limitations and dynamics of networks and collaborative partnerships affect Jacob’s role as a collaborator? Name one value, one limitation and one common dynamic of networks and collaborative partnerships. (Approx. 50 words).

Answer 1

How values, limitations and dynamics of networks and collaborative partnerships affect Jacob’s role as a collaborator are:

• As a collaborator, Jacob has to Identify networking and collaboration needs and opportunities and develop collaboration strategies
• Gather and review information about relevant services, organisations and key people: range of contacts to consider are Work colleagues, People to whom services are provided, Suppliers, funding bodies, Services, advocacy groups, Teachers and training bodies, Support and networking groups. Maintaining the currency of the information that is used and provided is vital when working collaboratively. Ensure information is current and relevant.
• Promote a positive image of the organisation: As a collaborator, the responsibilities include: maintaining ethical and professional standards, communicating in a clear and appropriate manner, maintaining confidentiality, adopting a collaborative rather than an adversarial approach, adhering to network guidelines (for example, treating all participants equally and informing the network members if you are unable to attend a meeting).
• Communicate issues, policies and practices in appropriate formats.
• Maintain and enhance networks and collaborative partnerships through case conferences, interagency meetings, consultative committees, joint projects,
• Improve and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships by strategies like providing feedback, study the data and reward team work

Some values, limitations and common dynamics of networks and collaborative partnerships are:

Desirable dynamics:

• Equal access
• Full participation
• Ease of communication
• Cohesive structure with clear role boundaries
• Appropriate sharing of information and resources
• All members feel valued and respected

Common limitations:

• Insufficient resources
• Insufficient participation
• Communication issues
• Lack of cohesion and clear goals
• Incorrect size for task (too large or small)
• Unclear results

Values:

• All people are valued members of the community and each person has something of value to contribute; participation is encouraged and valued.
• All collaborators should clearly understand their role, their responsibilities and the goal of the activity.
• Working together to reach a common goal involves teamwork, good communication and problem-solving
• Feedback, suggestions and reviews are encouraged and acted upon; information is shared (where appropriate) and decisions are made together.
• While all team members and collaborators should work together, individual ideas, opinions and needs are respected and valued.
• The aim is to reach a clearly-defined goal in the most effective way possible; this commitment underlies all collaborative activities.