Professional services network

According to statistics from 2010, members of these networks employ more than one million professionals and staff and have cumulative annual revenues that exceed $200 billion.

[2] The accounting networks developed first to meet the US Securities and Exchange Commission's requirement for public company audits.

The price of commodities is affected by the weather halfway across the world or by demand in developing countries.

The network can combine the resources of the individual members without risking the loss of their personal identities or financial independence.

The objective of this identity is network participation that will translate into business for the individual independent members.

For a company to internally develop a global and local presence would take decades and billions of dollars.

[16] For a company/firms to start a network that develops the same market penetration may take a decade and cost only millions of dollars.

The cost for future members to gain direct and immediate access to these resources is de minimis.

Current and potential members are attracted to networks in which they can pursue their own individual objectives.

The purpose of a network is different from that of a company or professional firm in that it is limited to specific activities that will benefit its members and enhance its performance.

The network's structure reflects the activities it seeks to promote and the underlying cultures of the members.

Networks are created around common specialized assets, joint control, and a collective purpose.

[17] They may also want to exchange knowledge that can reduce risks in their own firm's operations, or gain access to other resources.