PRONET: Professionalization of networks

PRONET : Professionalization of networks In 2012 the department of social work (Artevelde University College) conducted a practice-based research project on the topic of professional networks. Organizations are functioning... [ view full abstract ]

PRONET : Professionalization of networks

In 2012 the department of social work (Artevelde University College) conducted a practice-based research project on the topic of professional networks.

Organizations are functioning in an ever-changing context. The formation of partnerships and networks is one of the ways in which organizations attempt to provide a solution to this problem. The co-operation arises either spontaneously or out of necessity and government policy stimulates and even imposes it more en more. In reality, there is a huge variety in the growth and development of these partnerships and in various professional and academic circles the need for practice-based research material about networks arose.

PRONET wants to increase the professionalization of networks by focusing on the individual actors in these networks and the roles they take up within these networks. . When all roles are known, competences required for these roles can be formulated.
The PRONET research project took place in collaboration with organizations from different domains: government, social profit, social economy, culture, education,… Qualitative data were collected by means of in-depth interviews with experts and different focus groups across these different sectors both on executive and decision making levels.

Based on the results of the project, PRONET developed a basic model containing the different roles necessary to construct well-functioning networks. For each role specific competences are formulated. An accompanying manual describes how the roles have to be used.

Another fundamental result of the project is the so called ‘ Generic Profile’ .
This consists of a number of competences that are required of an individual so that he or she is able to function in a professional partnership.

The collected material is used to develop a range of educational tools for students and professionals in the field of social work..
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