Network organization

Network organization
See also
Management information system Extended enterprise Sources of innovation Nested production Business improvement E-Government Outsource marketing Related diversification Conglomerate diversification

Network organization refers to a type of organizational structure in which multiple companies or organizations work together in a collaborative manner to achieve a common goal or set of goals. This can include strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and alliances, among other forms of collaboration. The goal of a network organization is often to leverage the strengths and resources of each participating company or organization to achieve greater efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness.

Network organization structure

In a network organization structure, multiple companies or organizations work together in a collaborative and decentralized manner. This structure is characterized by a lack of a centralized hierarchy and a focus on flexibility and adaptability. Instead of a traditional hierarchical structure, a network organization is made up of a series of interconnected nodes or partnerships between companies or organizations. Each node or partnership operates independently, but also contributes to and is connected to the larger network as a whole.

This structure allows companies to quickly respond to changes in the market and adapt to new opportunities or challenges. It also allows for the sharing of resources and expertise between companies, which can lead to increased efficiency and innovation. However, coordinating the activities of multiple companies and organizations can also be complex, and communication and trust are important to ensure the network functions effectively.

Network organization examples

There are many examples of network organizations in various industries. Some examples include:

• Automotive industry: Many car manufacturers form partnerships and alliances to share resources and expertise, such as sharing production facilities, purchasing components, and jointly developing new technologies.
• Technology industry: Companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft often form partnerships with other companies to develop new products and services. For example, Google partners with companies like Nest and Samsung to develop new smart home products and services.
• Healthcare industry: Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers often form networks to share resources, collaborate on research and development, and improve patient outcomes.
• Retail industry: Many retailers have formed networks to share resources and expertise, such as sharing logistics, marketing and distribution.
• Social media: Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter form partnerships with other companies to share data and user information to improve the user experience and to provide more targeted ads to the users.
• Supply Chain Industry: Companies in the supply chain industry often form networks to improve efficiency, reduce costs and to improve communication among the different entities.

These are just a few examples, but network organizations can be found in many other industries as well.

Network organizaction advantages and disadvantages

Network organization structure has several advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages include:

• Increased flexibility and adaptability: Companies in a network organization structure can quickly respond to changes in the market and adapt to new opportunities or challenges.
• Access to shared resources and expertise: Companies can share resources and expertise, which can lead to increased efficiency and innovation.
• Reduced costs: Companies can share expenses, such as production facilities and components, which can reduce costs.
• Improved competitiveness: Network organizations can leverage the strengths of each participating company or organization to achieve greater competitiveness.
• Improved communication: Network organizations can improve communication and coordination among companies, which can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving.

Disadvantages include:

• Complex coordination: Coordinating the activities of multiple companies and organizations can be complex, and communication and trust are important to ensure the network functions effectively.
• Risk of conflict: Companies in a network organization may have competing interests, which can lead to conflicts that can be difficult to resolve.
• Loss of control: Companies may have to give up some control over their operations to participate in a network organization.
• Risk of losing a competitive edge: If a company shares too much information or resources with other companies in the network, it may lose its competitive edge.
• Dependency: Companies in a network organization may become dependent on the other companies in the network, which can make it difficult for them to operate independently.

It's important to note that these are general advantages and disadvantages and the impact of network organization structure may vary depending on the specific implementation and the industry it's in.

Suggested literature

• Miles, R. E., & Snow, C. C. (1992). Causes of failure in network organizations. California management review, 34(4), 53-72.
• Archer, N., & Wang, S. (2002, June). Knowledge management in the network organization. In ITI 2002. Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Information Technology Interfaces (IEEE Cat. No. 02EX534) (pp. 299-304). IEEE.
• Piercy, N. F., & Cravens, D. W. (1995). The network paradigm and the marketing organization: developing a new management agenda. European Journal of marketing, 29(3), 7-34.