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Value Network analysis

‘What do you get out of AWIS?’ 

Thanks to Liz Carpenter for doing a ‘value network Analysis’ of AWIS
Modified from the newsletter September 2006.

What do you really get out of AWIS?  Why have you paid your annual subscription? How could AWIS provide value to you?

I decided to use a new approach to the question.  I’ve been learning about a system called “Value Network Analysis”.  Through the Learning & Development programme at AgResearch I’ve had the opportunity to complete a course, to become a ‘Certified ValueNet Practitioner’. The course was run using phone conferencing and web meeting over a period of 6 months, and we learned the methodology from US-based Verna Allee, who developed the tools of analysis (www.vernaallee.com).  And using an Action-Learning based approach, I have learned the skills to examine the value exchanges within a network. And AWIS is ALL about networks. 

How do you answer the following question: “What value is there in this relationship? Is it beneficial to me?”  If you’re approaching this from a work perspective, you’ll probably be encouraged to look at dollar values and documentation that describes the relationship. Is there a contract for the work?  Can you invoice for it? Have you written a report? Can you get a publication from the work? Have you made a product?

Now, sit back and ask the question again.  What else have I got from this relationship?  Perhaps you’ve met new people who’ve helped you with new knowledge, ideas, contacts with others, market information, feedback, advice.  Is this important?  Does it bring value?  Of course, it does. However, the reality is that it’s difficult to demonstrate the value of this aspect of a relationship. The accountants and managers don’t usually pay much attention to it – what value has it brought you? 

The accountants are focused on the TANGIBLE exchanges.  Often these are accompanied by documentation – the invoice, payment, contract, funds, report, product, data, publication, newsletter, conference. What often goes unrecognised is the INTANGIBLE exchanges, e.g. knowledge, feedback, ideas, support. Using Value Network Analysis, we record both these exchanges, generating a value map.

I’ve put together a map for AWIS.  I started by looking at the participants in the AWIS network.  Then I considered the Tangible exchanges within the network, and drew those onto the map (using solid lines to show those exchanges), and then the Intangible exchanges (dotted lines).  It’s just a ‘snapshot’ that I jotted down one evening.  It’s not necessarily complete & at this stage, it’s just my view of AWIS. But, already I’ve made a few observations.

The National Exec provides many Tangible benefits to AWIS members, and receives some in return. AWIS members usually comment that the newsletter and the AWIS mailing list are beneficial to them. However, if we focus on what benefits a member might receive from the branch, you will notice that there are very few Tangible exchanges recorded. But, I came up with a great list of Intangible benefits. If a member came along to the Waikato branch meetings, I’d expect them to be able to access the AWIS network provided by their fellow members, and thus access ideas, feedback, support, referrals, knowledge, opportunities. I’ve had examples of members asking me about whether to do a PhD, how to get access to professional development training, where to find scholarships, is science a good career, overseas work …. These are all the sorts of things we can help each other with, as it is the sort of thing we know about.  Where else can you find a ready source of this information and support?  I think this is of a huge benefit to members.  But, I don’t believe we (i) acknowledge the value to each of us, or (ii) realise that this could be what AWIS is all about.

I guess, what I am trying to say is that in this world where we’re all struggling to find satisfying jobs, family friendly work, professional development, and ‘stuff I want to do’ , then we can all benefit from accessing the AWIS network.  As they say, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.