Networks and communities are two distinct entities, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Networks connect people and are instrumental in the spread of ideas and information, but they lack the personal touch and emotional investment of communities. Communities, on the other hand, are built on shared values and common interests, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Networks are characterised by their flexibility, allowing individuals to join or leave at will. They are excellent for disseminating information quickly and widely, but they lack the depth and richness of interaction found in communities. Networks can also be impersonal, often reducing individuals to mere nodes in a web of connections.
Communities, conversely, are more intimate and personal. They are grounded in shared experiences, interests, and values. This shared identity fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Communities are not as flexible as networks, but they provide a sense of stability and continuity.
While networks and communities each have their own strengths, they are not mutually exclusive. Networks can exist within communities, and communities can form within networks. The key is to recognise the strengths and limitations of each and to use them in a complementary manner.
Go to source article: http://www.mintzberg.org/blog/networks-communities