Lecture to take a fresh look at business networking

Most business people have heard of the benefits of creating collaborative networks with others, but what does it really mean in practice and what are the pitfalls to avoid?

The answer to these questions and more will be the topic of a free public seminar by Professor Kerry Brown, director of Southern Cross University’s Research Centre for Tourism, Leisure and Work next Wednesday, September 22 at the University’s new Gold Coast campus.

The lecture, entitled ‘Networks, Clusters and Collaboration: Understanding and Harnessing the Dynamics of Working Together’, will be the fourth in this year’s popular Professorial Lecture Series, which is aimed at giving members of the community the chance to learn about the real applications of research being undertaken by University staff.

Professor Brown, who works in Southern Cross University's School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, said she would be outlining the results of her research investigating the dynamics of collaboration and new types of organisational arrangements that rely on building connections.

“Networks, collaboration and industry clusters are often untapped resources that may be passed over in favour of ‘going it alone’ by individual firms,” said Professor Brown.

“However, by changing ideas about the nature of business competition, capital creation and the value of relationships, there is an opportunity to start something different.

“These business arrangements are based on moving jointly towards a common goal, and operating on a premise of ‘working together’ to achieve better results, often leading to better outcomes than working alone.

‘The difficulty is knowing what to do to start, how these arrangements work best, and how to capture the sometimes elusive benefits of networked ways of working.

“The research results offer some insights into understanding the dynamics of networks, clusters and collaboration.”

Professor Kerry Brown’s lecture will be held on Wednesday, September 22 from 5.30pm-7.30pm at Southern Cross University, Gold Coast campus, Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga. The lecture will also be video-linked to the Coffs Harbour campus (room MLG13) and to the Lismore campus (room R106).For more information and to RSVP, email Donna McIntyre donna.mcintyre@scu.edu.au or phone 6620 3503.


Photo: Professor Kerry Brown (high resolution image available on request)