Networks the Dysfunctional Family - CCK08
Briefly read a post
on the moodle thread regarding the 4
stages of group development:
- Forming
- Storming
- Norming
- Performing
More specifically how healthy are networks, do networks go in cycles, can networks be dysfunctional, can networks exhibit the characteristics of family relationships (If so what entity would be the creepy uncle no one talks to?)
Let's first tackle the health of a network. It is my humble opinion that like anything a network can either be healthy or sick, can go through cycles of good times and then bad times. My proof is simple, if a computer which is not organic can get sick, and function differently depending on many outside factors, why should a network mostly composed of human beings function at a higher level? Each entity/node/person is constantly influenced by internal/external/online/offline factors which will either enhance or interfere with their ability to operate within a network. This constant fluctuations will determine their ties (strong/weak) with other members of the network. Which then leads me to the question, if the sickness spreads will the network die, or will it splinter and reform many new networks (I am leaning towards the splinter effect).
Secondly, I strongly believe that regardless of the health of a network, all networks will cycle just like an economic system. There will be times of boom and bust, and most members need to ride the rough times and enjoy the smooth sailing when it comes. Recently within one of my online networks an influential member left and decided to return on their own accord. The removal of that node was very noticeable on the entire network, however their return rejuvenated many members within the network (myself included) to participate/play/and produce more. I am sure other cycles occur within online networks, I am just to new to notice the more subtle ones.
I have commented on this topic a lot, and personally getting tired of it myself. No one has given me a good straight answer on how one can judge the validity or strength of their network, the answer I usually receive depends upon some internal evaluation scheme that they themselves cannot quantify. Let us assume I know how to judge the value of my network, based upon this assumption you also make the assumption I know how to judge many other aspects of my life with that same clear cut internal scale. If so let's see, no psycho ex-girlfriends (check), no playing basketball on two-week old knee surgery (check), no getting in over my head (check), etc... but wait we know all those things actually happened. So my internal valuation scale is just as messed up as most people's. So please quit telling me to use faulty equipment to judge the real value of my network, because I have just proven I can't do it. So if I cannot judge the effectiveness of my network, in all likely hood it is dysfunctional and instead of providing insight and guidance provides the same old drivel I was trying to avoid in the first place (Yes human beings are creatures of habit, we ask for diversity but crave conformity).
Lastly I asked about the connections between a family and a network. I see the roles in a family permanent, with little change or adjust through time, your biological mother will always be your biological mother and so. However the roles that people take in one network or through many networks will adjust through time and the addition or removal of members. Just like a network is dynamic, so will the roles each node/entity will play.
Comments/Questions/Disgust/Discuss...
Posted by Tom Whyte
