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Keeping Your Network Alive

Our individual and team networks are the tentacles that keep us effectively and efficiently connected in our world. They provide us with insights and outsights to plan, seize opportunities, avoid pitfalls and excel. In times of uncertainty or crisis, the strength of our networks can be the source of our survival, or can foster an edge over others.

Historically, we have assumed that some aspects of networking require in-person connection. However, most recently, as we have been compelled to network from a distance, we have found ways to stay connected. But what have we lost and what have we gained in the process? Are we as networked as we want to be as individuals, and should organizations be doing more to develop networks that position themselves to be more competitive?

In this TASK topic, Keeping Your Network Alive, we provide resources to help you professionally connect as an individual, and to leverage networks for the benefit of your organization during this period of uncertainty.       

Strengthen your network
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

Leveraging your network for competitive advantage
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller

JSCAN:

The functions of contracts in interorganizational relationships: A contract experts’ perspective

Previous research has shown how contracts are used together with relational governance (RG) mechanisms to manage interorganizational relationships (IORs). Moreover, research has found that contracts are used in safeguarding, adapting, and coordinating business relationships. Based on the findings of an interview study with 24 contract experts, we argue that, in addition to safeguarding, adaptation, and coordination, firms use contracts to: codify their deals; steer their internal work; and plan, promote, and steer collaboration. On the one hand, when used intelligently, contractual techniques that reflect different functions can enhance IOR performance. On the other hand, the careless use of contracts can negatively affect RG and IOR performance. Our research has notable theoretical and managerial contributions, as it develops the theory of the functions of contracts and argues that the functions are fundamental to designing a contract that aims to complement RG and support IOR performance.           

Find out more about JSCAN or to download the paper click here.


Research

Enhancing the Value of Extended Supply Ecosystems

Corporations on average spend 60%+ of total revenue on external sources of supply. Many also rely on external partners to support the sale, distribution and support of their products or services, with these partners interfacing directly with customers and the market.

Download the report

Expanding commercial acumen within your network

Commercial Awareness Program

Individuals across your entire organization can earn a certificate that demonstrates their commercial acumen. After completing the program, participants will, among other things, be familiar with the tools to manage stakeholders (e.g. RACI Matrix), as well as understand the criticality of reaching out to those stakeholders along the contracting lifecycle to prevent missteps that could otherwise cost an organization financial and reputational harm.

More training opportunities and further resources


Whether you are a large corporation seeking to establish best practice across your organization, a small-medium sized company seeking access to organized collective knowledge and experience, or an individual seeking to enhance your knowledge and attractiveness as an employee, World Commerce & Contracting offers a professional development program to meet your needs.

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