The concept of networking in the general sense is synonymous with the process of docking to a network, the process of integrating oneself into a network, or the process of establishing new relationships with a network. In the context of information technology or telecommunications, the provision, activation and use of news channels in a network by actors who have come together to communicate through an integrating, setting-providing framework can go hand in hand with networking.
In a social context, networking can, under certain conditions, be associated with the long-term expansion of a network of social relationships on the part of actors. However, there is no such thing as a completely homogeneous concept of networking. In various contexts, however, the recurrence of certain characterization patterns is possible.
At present, “networking” is primarily associated with “information technology networking”, although the term also occurs in other contexts of existence. In recent years, information technology networking has become a cross-sectional task for almost all areas of social work. Whether in management consultancies, social institutions or political committees, networking is given a high priority almost everywhere.
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As it becomes more and more important to participate in the flow of information, which has to travel very quickly from one place on earth to any other place, new social and economic structures are emerging, the tasks of transmitting and processing information flexibly and without major frictional losses. Inclusion or exclusion from such networks ultimately determines whether the interests and actions of individual actors prevail or remain ineffective.
Networks are different from the familiar, traditional structure of institutions and organizations. They are not built to last forever and thus reduce the dangers of bureaucratic rigidity. In principle, they are open and can be re-knotted, expanded or reduced as required. They work best in temporary, not very stable areas of responsibility that involve the rapid transfer and processing of knowledge. Networks keep their connections as long as they are important. When certain links lose their current function, they are no longer taken into account in the flow of information and decision-making. Networks are designed to easily link tasks, resources, and interaction partners.
