ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a worm's eye view of networks themselves, how they are organized and what contributes to the success of individual networks. It identifies the major characteristics relevant to the success of networks: the compatibility of individual farms with the operational goals and organizational complexity of a network, the social compatibility of the farmers involved in the network and the role of the network organizer and the flow of information in the network. The chapter presents an explanation of why some networks fail while others succeed. Organizational complexity can be defined according to: scale and membership requirements, formal organization, facilities requirements, management requirements, labor requirements, financial requirements, purchasing plans, and marketing plans. The role of the organizer, which is the ultimate 'social' factor, is the key to the success of a network.
