Word of the week; Thursday, Thursday #nhs2040

As a committement to the young clinicians of 2040 I will post a key term every Thursday. These will be from the Better Healthcare Glossary and present examples of the terms in use, often with more than one example of a single term, following the principles of my heroes Ludwig Wittgenstein and James Murray. Unlike Murray i wll not attempt to write my own definition but I may include an example from my own published work if i cannot find a suitable example from another author; this is very uncommon

Following the first meeting of 2040 here are some networking terms

Network and node

“a network is a set of interconnected nodes. A node is a point where the network intersects itself. A network has no centre, just nodes. Nodes may be of varying relevance to the network ..A network is defined by the programme that assign the network its goals and rules of performance . The program is made up of codes that include the valuation of performance and criteria for success or failure”.

Source:  Castells, M.   (2004)   Informationalism.   Pages 3-48 in:  The Network Society.  Castells, M. (ed).  Edward Elgar.

Networking

“Networking is a broad concept referring to a form of organized transacting that offers an alternative to either markets or hierarchies.   It refers to transactions across an organization’s boundaries that are recurrent and involve continuing relationships with a set of partners.   The transactions are coordinated and controlled on a mutually agreed basis that is likely to require common protocols and systems, but do not necessarily require direct supervision by the organization’s own staff.”

Source: Child, J.   (2005)  Organization.   Contemporary Principles and Practice.  Blackwell Publishing.  (p.15).