Networks in Resource Management
Natural resource management is a critical aspect of any organization’s success. The ways in which information is discovered and moves throughout a company can directly affect a company’s capability to succeed. Some of the key components of an organization’s network are heterogeneity, redundancy and adaptive capacity.
Heterogeneity is a wide range in the collective knowledge base of a network. This is critical as a diversity in the knowledge base will allow for new and innovative ideas to surface when the company is presented with a challenge. A high density in a network is actually a negative trait as it promotes a similar attitude and thought process from the group.
Redundancy is also important for the success of a company’s management. While a high density is a negative characteristic, having some redundancy is important for the safety and insurance of a company. Having a few similar individuals will allow for a quick and easy transition if one person leaves.
The capability of management to acquire knowledge and adapt to changing conditions is a crucial aspect to the growth of an organization. Changes in laws or consumer preferences can alter the environment in which a company functions. The capacity of a company to adjust their products and make these decisions quickly can determine their fate. For instance, Netflix chose to switch from mail order movies to online streaming before Blockbuster and it has led to Netflix becoming the leader of the industry. This decision exemplifies the importance of heterogeneity and adaptive capacity as this innovative idea may not have formed without a wide variety of knowledge.
Perhaps the most critical individual within a network of a company is the “broker” who connects one group within the network to another group. This person must have very strong relations with the broker’s of other groups so ideas and knowledge can flow freely. Since the broker is connected with many other groups they need to be able to analyze and put into practice a lot of information from a variety of sources. The connections and relationships within these management networks provide a base for a company to function and can push a company toward success or failure.
File:///C:/Users/Connor/Downloads/ES-2006-1808.pdf