Table 1 The different stages in network development
Stage | Definition | Role of the Network manager |
|---|---|---|
Activation | Identifying participants and network stakeholders, directing their skills, knowledge, and resources [16, 21] | Arranging, stabilising and nurturing the network structure [16] |
Framing | Establishing the operating rules of the network, [16] | Influencing its prevailing values and norms and perceptions of the network participants |
Mobilising | Generating and building commitment for the network and its purposes. To achieve this, nodes must be able to understand strategic whole and work towards common objectives based on the whole ([22], p.33) | Induce individuals to commit to a joint undertaking or specific network activities |
Sythesizing | A blending of “various participants- each with their conflicting or different perceptions or dissimilar values” in order to work towards the network’s purpose ([13], p.15) | Enhance conditions for favourable, productive interaction amongst network participants |