Discipline networks in Statoil: Outcomes, success factors and challenges for network leaders

In this paper we describe and analyze outcomes, success factors and challenges of 131 discipline networks in Statoil. Based on a survey of 2.517 members of these networks, we find that a) participation in discipline networks has led to improvements in own unit, more speedy solutions to work tasks in the unit and higher compliance in own unit, b) participation is perceived as important for building personal networks and for professional development.

The quality of network management and line support is positively related to outcomes from network participation. We analyze the challenges of (horizontal) network management based on qualitative data.