Value Networks

 and the true nature of collaboration

   

Chapter 1: Value Networks

 

 

Value Networks 

 
Definition: a value network is a set of roles and interactions that    
 generates a specific business, economic, or social good.    

By this definition any group of people engaged in a purposeful activity 

can be understood as a value network.

Creating value requires more than simple social connections. Social networks are connections of people who share an interest or affiliation, but they are not organized to get something done. When people want to accomplish something together they organize their work together in a role-based, purposeful network - what we refer to as a value network. See: The Nature of Collaborative Work. 

 

Value Network Analysis (VNA) provides a way to map and visualize, analyze, and optimize value creating networks. It provides a human-centric, role-based, network ecosystem perspective into how value is created. VNA makes intangibles visible, negotiable, and manageable with powerful new performance indicators. It shows both structured relationships and the informal yet essential flow paths of knowledge sharing and support - that are required for a sustainable, resilient, and innovative enterprise.
value network map showing the relationships of a technology provider company

Value network map modeling the relationships of a technology provider.

Ctrl+scroll to see larger.
This chapter lays a foundation for understanding the nature of collaborative work as value networks. Business is changing in fundamental ways, largely due to widespread adoption of collaborative technologies. But to truly support this shift it is essential to understand that change, the nature of collaborative work, and why network modeling of the work itself is so important.

 

 

  

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