It is generally believed that by coming together to collaborate, the members of a network tend to generate a capacity to achieve a much greater impact on the processes of social change than could have been attained if the members had acted alone.(1,2) By sharing their knowledge, experiences and resources, the network members contribute to learning, as well as joint action to achieve a common purpose or goal.
Networking is about cooperation and leveraging individual efforts through bonds of mutual trust and reciprocity.(3)

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(1) Milward, H.B. and Provan, K.G. (2003) Managing Networks Effectively. Paper presented at the National Public Management Research Conference, Washington, DC.

(2) Taschereau, S. and Bolger, J. (2005) Networks and Capacity. ECDPM study on Capacity, Change and Performance (draft). [web:

(3) Granovetter, M. (1983) The strength of weak ties: A network theory revisited, American J. Sociology, 78: 1360.