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NETWORK ORGANIZATIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS
Discussion Board
Network Organizations and the Environmental Process
Vertoisha Turner
DBA: Strategic Management
BUSI 735
Dr. Collins Mkandawire
June 25, 2023
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NETWORK ORGANIZATIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS
Introduction
Network organization is also known as networked structures. This type of organizational
structure focuses on information sharing, collaboration, and coordination among different sectors
within an entity. This is for both internal and external usage. The old hierarchical structure has
been replaced by one of the following ways of networking, such as interactions, relationships, or
partnerships.
There are four different ways to categorize flexibility, interconnectedness, and
decentralization. Flexibility and ability to adapt to changes from external factors allow
organizations to respond effectively to the current market's upcoming changes, technology
development, and market conditions. Collaboration and cooperation are the foundation of
sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise among members within the networking
organization. Interconnectedness is concreted around the web of relationships. These
relationships can be formal or informal. These relationships include employees, partner
organizations, stakeholders, competitors, suppliers, employees, and customers. The information
is handled between facilities. Lastly is decentralization. This is extremely important when
decision-making is a part of the process. This process is dealt with among the different power
authorities. Instead of relying on one source, the decision is shared among network members
based on the task and individual expertise.
Body
However, within the context of network organizations, the environmental process refers
to how these organizations interact and engage with the world around them. Network
organizations fully grasp the importance of the external environment in shaping their strategies,
operations, and outcomes. They know that factors like economic conditions, technological
advancements, social and cultural trends, legal and regulatory frameworks, and competitive
dynamics significantly impact their success.
Environmental scanning is a vital practice employed by network organizations, as they
consistently monitor and gather information about the external environment. The objective is to
identify significant patterns, trends, opportunities, and threats. This process entails systematically
collecting data, conducting thorough market research, analyzing competitors, and staying well-
informed about industry developments. Network organizations can make informed decisions and
adapt their strategies by visiting attuned to the external landscape.
After accumulating a substantial amount of environmental data, network organizations
embark on the sensemaking process. This critical step allows them to interpret and comprehend
the information gathered. Sensemaking entails carefully analyzing the implications of
environmental trends, identifying patterns, and assessing how these factors may influence the
organization and its network. By engaging in sensemaking, network organizations can make
sense of complex data and make informed decisions that align with their goals and objectives.
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NETWORK ORGANIZATIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS
Network organizations proceed to strategic adaptation in light of the valuable insights
obtained from environmental scanning and sensemaking. This involves adjusting their strategies,
structures, and processes to ensure alignment with the external environment. Such adjustments
may entail seeking new partnerships, reconfiguring existing relationships, modifying their
product or service offerings, or exploring new markets. The objective is to capitalize on
identified opportunities and mitigate potential threats, enabling the organization to remain agile
and competitive in a dynamic landscape.
Network organizations emphasize relationship building as a crucial aspect of their
operations. They actively cultivate connections with external stakeholders, including customers,
suppliers, industry associations, regulatory bodies, and community organizations. Network
organizations can gain profound insights into their needs and expectations by establishing and
nurturing strong relationships with these stakeholders. This facilitates mutual support and
collaboration when addressing environmental challenges. Through these relationships, network
organizations are better equipped to navigate the complexities of their external environment and
ensure their long-term success.
Network organizations know the importance of adopting a proactive and responsive
approach toward the external environment to ensure long-term sustainability and prosperity. By
skillfully navigating the intricacies of the environmental process, they can harness the valuable
resources and capabilities within their network. This enables them to capitalize on emerging
opportunities, mitigate potential risks, and accomplish their objectives and aspirations.
A better understanding of the concept of innovation is provided by the systemic view of
innovation, which considers non-economic aspects, such as social and cultural ones (Dahesh et
al., 2020b). This article provides a comprehensive examination of the intellectual framework and
development of the innovation systems approach through the lens of social network analysis. The
study delves into how this approach has evolved, shedding light on its theoretical foundations,
key concepts, and influential contributors. By employing social network analysis, the authors
offer valuable insights into the interconnections and relationships among the various actors and
elements within innovation systems. The findings of this review contribute to a deeper
understanding of the innovation systems approach and its implications for fostering innovation
and economic growth.
Digital entrepreneurship ecosystem and its transformative impact on the entrepreneurial
process. It investigates how digital technologies and the power of collective intelligence are
reshaping the landscape for entrepreneurs. The study examines integrating digital tools and
platforms, such as social media, online marketplaces, and data analytics, into the entrepreneurial
journey. The literature on the actual effects of digital technologies and collaboration on the
entrepreneurial process is still being determined, despite the topic of digital entrepreneurship
being timely and relevant (Elia et al., 2020b). It highlights the opportunities and challenges this
digital landscape presents, including enhanced connectivity, access to global markets, and new
forms of collaboration. The article sheds light on the emerging dynamics of the digital
entrepreneurial ecosystem by analyzing the evolving role of technology and collective
intelligence in entrepreneurship.
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NETWORK ORGANIZATIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS
This discussion board investigates the development of organizational resilience in the
tourism sector when faced with crises and disasters. Drawing from the dynamic capabilities
view, the study explores how tourism organizations can effectively respond and adapt to
unexpected challenges. Tourism organizations can respond to disruptive environmental changes
through routine transformation, resource allocation, and utilization with the help of dynamic
capabilities (Jiang et al., 2019b). It delves into the strategies and abilities required to build
resilience, including crisis management, resource allocation, and organizational learning. The
paper provides insights into the dynamic nature of building strength in the tourism industry by
examining real-world cases and theoretical frameworks. The findings contribute to a deeper
understanding of how organizations can enhance their ability to withstand and recover from
crises and disasters, ultimately ensuring long-term sustainability in the face of adversity.
Also, within my discussion post, I explore the potential and limitations of utilizing
blockchain technology in the built environment. It examines the application of blockchain in
various aspects of the built environment, such as construction, real estate, and urban planning.
The study investigates how blockchain can enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in
these sectors. Additionally, it delves into the challenges and limitations associated with
implementing blockchain, including scalability, interoperability, and regulatory considerations.
Decentralized technology implementation necessitates increased security, enforces
accountability, and speeds the transition from the current hierarchical structure to a decentralized,
cooperative chain of command. It would also positively impact culture and society by promoting
trust and transparency (Nawari & Ravindran, 2019b). By analyzing the potential and limitations
of blockchain in the built environment, the article offers valuable insights for industry
professionals and policymakers looking to leverage this technology effectively.
The field of cognitive network science focuses on research that examines cognition
through the lens of network representations, processes, and dynamics. It provides a deep analysis
of the intersection between cognitive science and network science, highlighting how network
perspectives can enhance our understanding of mental processes. The review covers various
topics, including network representations of cognitive systems, information flow in cognitive
networks, and the dynamic nature of cognitive networks over time. Words and concepts have
historically been a significant focus of cognitive science because they serve as the foundation for
thought, reasoning, and communication (Siew et al., 2019b). By synthesizing the current state of
research in cognitive network science, this article offers valuable insights into the complex
interplay between cognition and network structures, shedding light on new avenues for future
investigation.
This review systematically analyzed and summarized the preparation, characterization,
modification, and especially environmental application of biochar, based on more than 200
papers published in the last ten years, to provide an overview of biochar with a focus on its
ecological application. Biochar has attracted increasing attention due to its distinctive features,
such as high carbon content and cation exchange capacity, large specific surface area, and stable
structure (Wang & Wang, 2019b). Cognitive Network Science is a field of study that focuses on
the interplay between cognition and network structures. This interdisciplinary approach explores
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NETWORK ORGANIZATIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS
how cognitive processes can be understood and analyzed through the lens of network
representations, processes, and dynamics. By investigating the connections and interactions
within cognitive systems, researchers aim to uncover new insights into the underlying
mechanisms of human cognition. This emerging field holds great potential for advancing our
understanding of the complex nature of awareness and its relationship with network structures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of network organizations has revolutionized traditional
hierarchical structures, emphasizing information sharing, collaboration, and coordination across
different sectors. The environmental process plays a crucial role in the success of network
organizations, as they recognize the influence of external factors such as economic conditions,
technological advancements, social and cultural trends, legal and regulatory frameworks, and
competitive dynamics. To effectively navigate the environmental process, network organizations
employ various strategies. Environmental scanning allows them to continuously gather and
monitor information about the external environment, enabling them to identify patterns, trends,
and potential opportunities or threats. Sensemaking follows as organizations interpret and
understand the gathered data, analyzing its implications and assessing its impact on the
organization and its network. Strategic adaptation is vital based on insights gained from
environmental scanning and sensemaking. Network organizations adjust their strategies,
structures, and processes to align with the external environment. This may involve forming new
partnerships, reconfiguring relationships, modifying offerings, or exploring new markets to
capitalize on opportunities and mitigate risks. Relationship building is another crucial aspect, as
network organizations actively foster connections with external stakeholders. By establishing
solid relationships, organizations gain a deeper understanding of stakeholder needs and
collaborate in addressing environmental challenges. Network organizations recognize the
importance of a proactive and responsive approach to the external environment. By effectively
navigating the ecological process, they leverage their network's resources and capabilities to
seize opportunities, mitigate risks, and achieve their goals, ensuring long-term sustainability and
success. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us of the importance of careful planning and foresight: "The
plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."
This verse encourages us to engage in environmental scanning, continuously monitoring and
gathering information about the external environment, so that we can make informed decisions
and adapt our strategies accordingly.
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NETWORK ORGANIZATIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS
References
Dahesh, M. B., Tabarsa, G., Zandieh, M., & Hamidizadeh, M. R. (2020). Reviewing the
intellectual structure and evolution of the innovation systems approach: A social network
analysis. Technology in Society, 63, 101399.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101399
Elia, G., Margherita, A., & Passiante, G. (2020). Digital entrepreneurship ecosystem: How digital
technologies and collective intelligence reshape the entrepreneurial process.
Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 150, 119791.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.119791
Jiang, Y., Ritchie, B. W., & Verreynne, M. (2019). Building tourism organizational resilience to
crises and disasters: A dynamic capabilities view. International Journal of Tourism
Research 21, (6), 882–900. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.2312
Nawari, N. O., & Ravindran, S. (2019). Blockchain and the built environment: Potentials and
limitations. , , 100832. Journal of Building Engineering 25
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2019.100832
Rume, T., & Islam, S. K. (2020). Environmental effects of COVID-19 pandemic and potential
strategies of sustainability. , (9), e04965. Heliyon 6
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04965
Siew, C. S. Q., Wulff, D. U., Beckage, N. M., & Kenett, Y. N. (2019). Cognitive Network
Science: A Review of Research on Cognition through the Lens of Network
Representations, Processes, and Dynamics. , , 1–24. Complexity 2019
https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2108423
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NETWORK ORGANIZATIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS
Wang, J., & Wang, S. (2019). Preparation, modification and environmental application of
biochar: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 227, 1002–1022.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.282
