(2007-12-01) Downes Groups Vs Networks

Stephen Downes distinguishes the Group from the Network.

A group is defined by its values. I said yesterday and I say it again today, the person who came up with the concept of the vision statement should be thrown out the window. Because think about it. You're in some institution. The powers that be from on high come down with a vision statement. You read the vision statement. How many of you go, "Yeah, that's my purpose in life?" And what follows is a long, protracted exercise to get you to replace whatever vision you had with the vision of the group. And it seems odd. Groups define standards. Groups define belonging. (Shared Vision)

Network-s, by contrast, require autonomy. That is to say each individual in a network operates independently. That does not mean they operate alone. What that does mean is - because remember, it's a network, you're connected, you talk to people, they talk to you - it means you define your vision. It means you define what's going to be important to you, your values and interests. It means that when you go to work, the reason why you're at work is because you want to put food on your table, not the boss's table. The boss getting food on his or her table, that's just an accident. But that's not why you're there. Interaction in a network isn't about leaders and followers. It's about, as I say here, a mutual exchange of value. (Coalition)