Introduction

This section of International Perspectives starts with issues relating to networking, including organisational and individual benefits, cultural awareness, tips for successful networking, and networking skills development. It then continues with separate sub-sections on involvement with international partners, showcasing work and engaging in on-line dialogue.

Networking has become an important organisational and individual activity, which has been given increasing attention as the rapid advances in travel and technology have made the world something of a global village. Key questions are being asked, including:

• How do we learn to operate equally fluently at local, regional and global levels?
• How do we create successful partnerships with others?

Networking

Networking is basically a social process of linking people together, thereby creating and developing relationships or coalitions to achieve certain goals.

Networking and culture

Organisational and national culture has been subject to much research in recent years. Key writers in the field include Hofstede, Schein, and Johnson and Scholes.

Building a network for a specific activity – the process, with some tips

There are three key steps in building a network, whether local, national or international.

Networking Skills

Five core networking skills are described by Hastings. These are summarised in this section.

Involvement in international activities

Using current networks might enable new projects and initiatives to be identified, but active searches are also to be encouraged.

Examples of good practice and some issues arising

One example of international collaboration is that of the World Summit Information Society, including committees on youth and skills training, ICT in democracy, access and inclusivity, and cultural diversity.

Showcasing work

A major theme running through networks and partnership working is that of information sharing.

Engaging in on-line dialogue

The linked section on ‘The Overview of Professional Issues’ discusses some issues identified as relevant to the professional guidance community, both in the UK and overseas.

A directory of national, and international, guidance contacts

The directory is not complete, but it does represent a starting point for those wishing to locate national, and international, guidance contacts.

Bibliography

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