Building a Smart Learning Network for Managing Diversity

1. EFMD European Foundation for Management Development- Mars 1st, 2005Managing Diversity with CHRISTINE HARDY* Fostering cooperation & the valuation of divergence through Learning Networks (inter-experts, intra-organization)*Creating a network of diversified human resources, to foster:·shared vision & values ·network thinking & collective intelligence ·commitment & relations based on synergy

2. Learning network . The Information Society (IS) is a lattice of evolving, growingnetworks, entertwined at the planetary level. . This network-organization fosters a new mode of thinking – synergistic & cooperative The learning network : • creates intense interactions between partners • stimulates creativity and innovation

3. Two phases : A: Drawing the network of partners - key-concepts - techniques B : Building the learning network - key-concepts - techniques

4. A.Network of partners concepts 1. The network-dynamic is a flow among a multiplicity of nodes: * it values all linked players (the nodes) and fosters a flexible organization   * all players mutually influence each other (Joseph Nye’s soft power). 2. In a Network, interactions happen at the personal level : * they cut through hierarchy and cross over boundaries (Varela). 3. The decision process is consensual: * the network is multi-partners: it generates a constructive dialogue. 4. Networks have a tendancy to grow and become world-wide * decisions and actions should favorize the global environment. 5. The network-dynamic stimulates individual potentials (creative & artistic potentials, consciousness talents).

5. Network of partners techniques A.2. Drawing the network of partners : · Draw the Constellations of partners & add their role and function (expressed as a verb – ie, selling, producting) ·Add the connected or interacting groups (clients, fournisseurs, consultants, etc.)

6. Network of partners techniques • Example: A publisher’s network inciting medias readers authors empathizing creating publisher distribution printing purveying publishing

7. Network of partners techniques Drawing the network of partners… • ·Add the environment around • each player’s constellation • places (towns, states, countries) and influential contexts • populations affected by the company or its products (ie, through being neighbors)

8. B. Learning network concepts 1. The organization as a network of shared meaning : * shared values, integrated aims (Peter Senge) 2. Harmonization with the social environment : * coupling the network with the local environment (Varela) * system co-evolving with its environment (Manfred Mack) * showing responsability, generating opportunities. 3. Concept of ‘logical field’ (or logfield): the specific logic used by an expert, a partner, or else: a science, a paradigm The Learning Network creates a synergy between the diverse LogFields of all partners

9. Learning Network techniques Drawing the interactions * Draw the connections between (groups of) partners * Define the logical field of each partner (objectives, values, organizational modes) Drawing the logics of interaction

10. Learning network techniques Highlighting the problems ·What are the convergences btw (groups of) partners ? ·  What are the divergences between them ? ·  check for communicationproblems ·  check for organizationproblems (places, rythms…) ·  check forlogical fields problems (reasoning style, action style, processes…) Draw all interaction problems

11. Learning network techniques Creating a learning network · Improving the connections between partners ·Valuation of our partners (know the value of each one) • ·Swapping one’s role with another’s (putting oneself • in the place of the other) ·Fostering synergy and cooperation ·Creating a multidimensional logfield ‘Visioning’ of the network & the whole web of interactions

12. Managing diversityChristine Hardy Eco-Mind CHRISTINE HARDY, cognitive scientist, PhD in psychological anthropology, specialist of the new scientific paradigm, has published several books on progressive scientific research and her own theoretical research, which she regularly presents through articles in scientific journals as well as in international conferences. She is currently a consultant for organizations in Knowledge Management and Change.