Oak 10 Supporting Intermediaries and Networks

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Questions and Answers

What is the main factor that contributes to a network mindset?

The presence of a strong secretariat-member relationship

The focus on making difficult strategy choices

Intentional efforts to cultivate or strengthen a network mindset (correct)

Short-term, tangible results that satisfy donors

What is a significant challenge in building a network mindset?

The abstract nature of network mindset development (correct)

The reluctance of members to engage in participatory activities

The resistance from external actors to embrace a network approach

The lack of available resources for cultivating network culture

What is a key benefit of investing in network culture?

Reduced competition among network members

Faster decision-making processes within networks

Increased funding opportunities from donors

Improved efficiency and sustainability of networks (correct)

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an area for reflection exercises within networks?

Member diversity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role do donors play in cultivating network capacity?

Supporting the development of network leadership skills (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of leadership programs that effectively support network development?

They emphasize building consensus and collaboration. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is network mindset considered valuable in a wider ecosystem?

It facilitates communication and collaboration among diverse actors. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential benefit of a network mindset?

Reduced bureaucratic processes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the term 'network' in the context of collaborative structures?

It is interchangeable with movements. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor that affects the success of a network?

The roles designated to members and secretariat. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can the role of a secretariat negatively impact network dynamics?

By taking over responsibilities intended for members. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why there can be disappointment with networks from funders?

They are often treated as regular grantees. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects is NOT a designated role of networks?

Directly implementing social projects. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one key characteristic that differentiates network leadership capacity from traditional organizational leadership?

Prioritization of relationships and collaboration (D) Signup and view all the answers

How can the presence of funders on a network's board affect its identity?

It introduces external motivations and control (C) Signup and view all the answers

What potential problem may arise from formalized network structures?

Reduction in diversity of thought (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role do relationships play in governance within networks?

They are the main determinant of decision-making (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of funders being actively involved in networks?

Dilution of funders' power over time (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of power differentials within network membership?

Diminished representation of weaker members (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can network leaders effectively manage tensions and conflicts among members?

By actively engaging in listening and relationship-building (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential skill needed by network leaders to mobilize membership?

Competence in conflict navigation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors is NOT identified as a challenge for larger, global or regional networks?

Lack of formal association structures (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of maintaining a hub-and-spoke network configuration, according to the text?

Reduced network growth (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element in fostering a successful network culture or mindset?

Inclusive and participatory leadership (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these skills are crucial for network leaders, according to the text?

Collective leadership and consensus building (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT directly mentioned in the text as a factor contributing to challenges facing networks?

Disparities in member resources (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily expected from networks in their early years of existence?

Building relationships and culture (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of indicator assesses the extent to which CSO networks reflect the civil society's voice?

Representational indicators (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of indicator measures the relationships built by participation in networks?

Developmental indicators (B) Signup and view all the answers

What mindset is critical for all aspects of a network's functioning according to the literature?

Network mindset (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should donors reassess regarding their own evaluation and reporting expectations?

Understanding reasonable outcomes from networks in the short term (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of supporting capacity strengthening in networks?

Investing in network identity and mindset (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of indicator looks into what has changed due to the activities of CSO networks?

Results indicators (D) Signup and view all the answers

What feeling do donors predominantly exhibit towards investing in cultural aspects of networks?

Reluctance (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge that networks face according to the provided content?

Competition and conflict of interest (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is necessary for network leaders to demonstrate?

Value add to their members (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of mindset can take time to shift towards in network settings?

A hierarchical mindset (C) Signup and view all the answers

How can changes in the external environment impact networks?

They can affect income and available resources (C) Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception do some members have regarding networks?

They can be prioritized over daily job responsibilities (A) Signup and view all the answers

What often characterizes the composition of network boards?

Senior members with potential conflicts of interest (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it hard to prove the value added by networks according to the content?

They focus on direct outcomes favored by funders (B) Signup and view all the answers

What might hinder a person's transition to a network mindset as mentioned in the content?

Working exclusively in hierarchical organizations (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Supporting CSO Networks - Funders' Needs

Enthusiasm for working with networks is growing due to the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of systems.
"Sector level response" is needed to harness this complexity for collective action.
The term "network" is often used broadly to describe collaborations (coalitions, alliances, partnerships).
Networks are sometimes confused with other social change approaches like movements.
Expecting a network to perform like other grant recipients is a mistake, leading to disappointment.
Crucial differences exist between networks and other change organizations.

Critical Differences

Purpose/Mission: Networks have distinct roles (advocacy, coalition building, capacity building, etc.)
Distinct Roles: Advocacy, coalition building, capacity strengthening, service delivery coordination, and representation are key activities.
Tension: Roles aren't always mutually inclusive; different skill sets and capacities are needed.
Identity, Mindset, and Structure: Secretariats (management teams) are crucial but risks emerging as implementing bodies rather than supporting members.
Life Cycle: Networks can begin as informal/voluntary efforts, often with members doing the work and a secretariat emerging, but this can potentially lead to members abdicating responsibility to the secretariat.

Leadership and Culture

Network Mindset: Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping network culture (inclusive, participatory, collaborative approaches).
Needs: Leadership roles should emphasize facilitation, collaboration, and ensuring members maintain an active role.
Inadequate Skills: Network leaders often lack training in distributed leadership, consensus-building, and conflict resolution.
Power Differences: Larger, more resource-rich CSOs can dominate network agendas and leadership.

Governance

Member-Governed Models: Networks can be governed by members or a combination of internal and external members.
Selection of Board: Careful consideration of who is on the board (members or other stakeholders) is crucial for the structure and interests served by the network.
Relationships: The individual, not necessarily the institution they represent, often plays a critical role in building relations within networks.
Decision-Making: Power imbalances within the network membership should be acknowledged and potentially addressed.

Strategy

External Influences: External factors strongly affect what networks can do.
Performance Management: Measuring results is challenging due to the multi-faceted nature of networks.
Attribution: Attribution of impact is complex because change happens over time; initial investments may yield results only in the medium-to-long term.

Implications for Grantmaking

Donor Roles: Donors can act as catalysts, sponsors, or assessors to support networks, but should avoid using networks as avenues for their own funding.
Advocacy: Donors should support the advocacy of the network as opposed to simply funding its activities.
Long-term Funding: Flexible, long-term funding is crucial for building capacities and enabling sustained network efforts.
Network Sustainability: Funding shouldn't ignore member-level efforts, otherwise it risks causing conflict and undermining the network.

Implications for Supporting Capacity Strengthening

Mindset: Investment in developing a shared understanding of network identity and mindset is crucial.
Evaluation: Adjusting grantmaker expectations and developing nuanced evaluation frameworks.
Leadership Skills: Developing leadership abilities is crucial for networks, leading to more effective networks.
M&E Frameworks: Needs for dynamic, adaptable methodologies for assessing progress.

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Description

Explore the critical distinctions between networks and traditional organizations in the context of funding. This quiz highlights the unique roles and missions of networks, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches for effective collaboration and advocacy. Understand the complexities involved in supporting networks for social change.