Introduction to the Concept of Networking A1- 52719 Trade Union Training on Research Methodology on Employment and Social Issues in Africa (Tom Mboya Labour College, Kisumu, Kenya, 6 to 10 December 2010) Introduction to the Concept of Networking www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

What Network and Networking? A Network is a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest. Networking is about making links from people we know to people they know, in an organised way and for a specific purpose. A trade union Network can be set up around any issue of relevance e.g. Research, HTUR, HIV/AIDS, Gender Equality, Global Economic Crisis, etc. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

What Network and Networking? A regional trade union organisation such ITUC-Africa is an example of a Network that has established structures for exchanging and sharing information as well as for extending solidarity support to its affiliates and their members. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Roles & Functions of a Network 2 Roles and 6 Functions of a typical Network are: Support Community Building Facilitation Support and Service Provider Agent of Change Organisation of Information Dissemination of Voice. Convening www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Functions of a Network Community Building Community building entails developing authentic relationships between people. It is the act of creating some kind of rally point (e.g. internet site) that would allow people to collaborate and interact together. Community building through networking often develop strong links within the network but none or perhaps just a few weak links outside the network. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Functions of a Network Eight things to avoid when building a community: Avoid the gaping hole perception i.e. to feel that your contribution is just going into a gapping void. No community cohesion Don’t downplay the audience Don’t betray the community www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Functions of a Network Don’t try to be everywhere No internal support for the community manager Don’t be a dictator Avoid been the know all and be all. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Functions of a Network Facilitation Facilitation is the process of enabling groups to work cooperatively and effectively. To facilitate, is to help something (usually a process) move along. Facilitation is important in circumstances where people of diverse backgrounds, interests and capabilities work together. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Functions of a Network As facilitator, you must be attentive to what is happening at all times. Do not get side-tracked into long discussions with individuals. A facilitator can encourage cooperative behaviour by ensuring honesty, openness, respectfulness and non-partisanship. Facilitating function helps members to carryout their activities more efficiently and effectively. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Functions of a Network This function is often hard to differentiate from the others because, in theory, all networks are created to facilitate the achievement of any particular objectives. Support and Service Providers Support and Service Provider Networks offer a channel to members to obtain the resources they need to carryout their main activities. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Functions of a Network Organising Information The “organising” or “filtering” function allows unmanageable amounts of information to be organised and used in a productive way. There is evidence that NGOs and Think Tanks can fulfil a filtering function. Voice Amplifiers help take a complex idea or a message and transfer it to the public or transform it into a simple or an understandable one. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

The Functions of a Network Convening Convening networks bring together different individuals and groups. Authority, legitimacy, logistical capacity, credibility and communication skills are essential. Convening networks need to systematically assess their audience and to provide appropriate information. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

What do Networks Need to Do? Clear governance agreement – to set clear goals and objectives, identify functions, define membership, make decisions and resolve conflicts. Analyse the type of assistant it will need to achieve its goals. Develop the skills of the network members. Build, cultivate and maintain the network through the years. Strength in numbers – the larger the numbers involved the greater the political weight given to networks. Representativeness – is one key source of legitimacy (and thereby influence). Quality of evidence – affects both the credibility and legitimacy of arguments. Packaging of evidence - is crucial to effective communication. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

What do Networks Need to Do? Persistence - influence often requires sustained pressure over a long period of time. Membership of key individuals - especially influential figures in the policy arena. Making use of informal links - these can be critical to achieving many network objectives. Complementing official structures - by their nature, networks add most value by complementing rather than duplicating official structures. Good use of ICTs and other networking opportunities - ICTs are opening up great new potential for networking. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO

International Training Centre of the ILO GROUP WORK What in your opinion are the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of the African trade union research network? Based on part of your responses to question 1 above, suggest measures aimed at reinvigorating the African trade union research network. Make an checklist of issues that are of relevance to working people, which the African trade union research network should prioritise on its agenda. www.itcilo.org International Training Centre of the ILO