1 Learning Networks EFMD European Foundation for Management Development- Mars 1st, 2005 Managing Diversity with CHRISTINE HARDY * Fostering cooperation & the valuation of divergence through Learning Networks (inter-experts, intra-organization) *Creating a network of diversified human resources, to foster: · shared vision & values · network thinking & collective intelligence · commitment & relations based on synergy

2 Learning network. The Information Society (IS) networks, entertwined is a lattice of evolving, growing networks, entertwined at the planetary level.. This network-organization fosters a new mode of thinking a new mode of thinking – synergistic & cooperative The learning network : interactions creates intense interactions between partners creativity stimulates creativity and innovation

3 Two phases : A: Drawing the network of partners - key-concepts - techniques B : Building the learning network - key-concepts - techniques

4 A. Network of partners a flow among a multiplicity of nodes 1. The network-dynamic is a flow among a multiplicity of nodes: * it values all linked players (the nodes) and fosters a flexible organization * all players mutually influence each other (Joseph Nye’s soft power ). at the personal level 2. In a Network, interactions happen at the personal level : * they cut through hierarchy and cross over boundaries (Varela). decision process is consensual 3. The decision process is consensual: * the network is multi-partners: it generates a constructive dialogue. world-wide 4. Networks have a tendancy to grow and become world-wide * decisions and actions should favorize the global environment. stimulates individual potentials 5. The network-dynamic stimulates individual potentials (creative & artistic potentials, consciousness talents).

5 Network of partners A.2. Drawing the network of partners :  Draw the Constellations of partners role and function & add their role and function (expressed as a verb – ie, selling, producting)  Add the connected or interacting g roups (clients, fournisseurs, consultants, etc.)

6 Network of partners Example: A publisher’s network readers distribution authors publisher medias printing incitin g empathizi ng purveyi ng creating publishi ng

7 Network of partners Drawing the network of partners… environment   Add the environment around  each player’s constellation  places (towns, states, countries) and influential contexts  populations affected by the company or its products (ie, through being neighbors)

8 B. Learning network network of shared meaning 1. The organization as a network of shared meaning : * shared values, integrated aims (Peter Senge) social environment 2. Harmonization with the social environment : * coupling the network with the local environment (Varela) * system co-evolving with its environment (Manfred Mack) * showing responsability, generating opportunities. logical fieldlogfield 3. Concept of ‘logical field’ (or logfield): the specific logic used by an expert, a partner, or else: a science, a paradigm Learning Network The Learning Network creates a synergy between the diverse LogFields of all partners

9 Learning Network Drawing the interactions connections * Draw the connections between (groups of) partners logical field * Define the logical field of each partner (objectives, values, organizational modes) Drawing the logics of interaction

10 Learning network Highlighting the problems convergences ·  What are the convergences btw (groups of) partners ? divergences  · What are the divergences between them ? communicationproblems  · check for communication problems organizationproblems  · check for organization problems (places, rythms … ) logical fields problems · check for logical fields problems (reasoning style, action style, processes … ) Draw all interaction problems

11 Learning network Creating a learning network connections · Improving the connections between partners Valuation of our  ·  Valuation of our partners (know the value of each one) Swapping one’s role  ·  Swapping one’s role with another ’ s (putting oneself  in the place of the other) Fostering synergy and cooperation  ·  Fostering synergy and cooperation Creating a multidimensional logfield ·  Creating a multidimensional logfield ‘Visioning’ of the network & the whole web of interactions

12 Christine Hardy Eco-Mind Managing diversity Christine Hardy Eco-Mind CHRISTINE HARDY, cognitive scientist, PhD in psychological anthropology, specialist of the new scientific paradigm, has published several books on progressive scientific research and her own theoretical research, which she regularly presents through articles in scientific journals as well as in international conferences. She is currently a consultant for organizations in Knowledge Management and Change.