How do we see our network?

Question

maylo · Accepted Answer

There are 6 distinctive characteristics or components which comprise our network:

Trust – This is basic to any human relationship and even more so to networking. Trust means firm reliance on the integrity, ability or character of a person or thing. The idea of this network is not self-seeking advancement at the expense of others, but a means of mutual support. With trust, there can be no conniving or back-stabbing; gossip has no place in networking nor has a leaking of privileged information. Network participants must trust the ma’at's purpose of nation building because mistrust can prevent the network from carrying out its projected plan. our network links must trust each other to act professionally, to share accurate information, to give and get honest advice, and to refer genuine leads about network improvement to network participants.

The facilitator – the facilitator is not a boss, but simply a participant of the network. The facilitator has the responsibility to provide the objectives of the network as it evolves and also to provide orientation to new participants. She/he is seen as the spirit of the network and she/he continually encourages participants to interact with one another. This person is charged with knowing which participants of the network to link and how to do so, and with maintaining a low profile when promoting others as resource persons. She/he functions as a mediator to rectify misunderstandings between participants in an effort to promote stable and efficient operations. She/he is expected to be assertive when necessary and to identify, whenever possible, whether or not the network-selected direction is inappropriate. In short, the facilitator is charged with performing group maintenance and leadership activities.

Resource exchange and distribution – When talking of distribution and exchange of resources within a network, one for the most part is referring to the sharing of information. There are instances when monies and other resources are involved, but information is the most widely-exchanged resource. Information-sharing is absolutely essential if the ma’at is to function. There are many ways in which the network executes the exchange of information with its external network links. For example, conferences, the postal service and telephones are the primary modes of exchange. The network utilizes computers to expand its internal and external exchange delivery, and other means to exchange information and resources. The network is a central meeting place and distribution facility for the sharing and dissemination of information in the sovereign moor community.

Communication – The most important exchange of information and resources is done on a human level; human contact is so important and to the exchange of accurate and comprehensive information. Communication is the means by which the ma’at imbeds spirit into the nation building process by defining boundaries, limitations and above all, maintaining the purpose of the network. The four functions of communication are direction, production, innovation and maintenance. Communication encourages the generation of new ideas to explore potential relationships and create change. Without effective communication, the network will become a system within a vacuum, unable to provide and receive needed services and information vital to its effective functioning. As a result, when communication stops, organized activity ceases to exist and individual uncoordinated activity returns.

Maintenance and analysis – The importance of a maintenance component is essential to ensure the proper and smooth functioning of the ma’at. Our network must have the capacity to locate its flaws and adjust in order to remain operational. participants have important choices to make regarding alternatives available to them in adjusting the network. One such alternative is to begin anew if the network breaks down; participants deliberately may set aside an informal structure and try different approaches. A second alternative is to enhance the network; here participants maintain the existing network and accentuate its desirable features.

Network expansion – the ma’at will expand by attempting to solve newly-identified common problems or by linking with other networks. Participants can differentiate within the network. Participants may create smaller, specialized problem-solving networks to impact upon the larger network. Whatever alternatives are used, the ma’at's network must continuously check and evaluate itself to ensure its ongoing existence.

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How do we see our network?