Boeing's use of networking to strengthen customer relationships

Networking and Organizations

The concept of "networking" refers to any alliance or link that companies form with either external in internal partners for its advantage. Externally, such links may include organizations and individuals other than those within the company, while internal links may refer to the company's own employees, customers and departments.

Boeing's current structure entails a global network of research, development and manufacturing partners. As such, the company has used its worldwide reputation to gain networking relationships that are both vertical and horizontal. Boeing's vertical relationships include members from suppliers to end users, while horizontal links are formed among actual or potential competitors. These relationships help the company to remain flexible and adaptable. This ability to is crucial in the modern business world. To be optimally successful, Boeing is driven by the needs and preferences of its customers.

The Importance of Networking in Customer Relationships

Networking enhances customer relationships in several ways. By networking with other companies and with potential competitors, Boeing is able to be much more closely in touch with the diversity of its customer base, as well as the exact demands and needs of its customers. These needs change over time, and the company's ability to maintain contact with these changes is crucial to its success. Networking also helps the company to cope with changes brought about by the pressures of environmental complexity and risk. Dealing with these successfully contributes to the company's growth on a personal level. Furthermore, by networking with external partners, market boundaries are blurred. This can be used to the advantage of the company by networking with partners with similar customers. In terms of the workforce, customers can be served better by filling the skill and resource gap.

IV. Internal Communication

It has been mentioned that communication is vital in the success of a company. This is not only true of the external link between customer and organization, but also internally among employees. Employees can use internal communication to enhance their social responsibility paradigms. Internally, employees can be used to educate each other regarding the knowledge and use of technology. Those with expertise can be used to train new employees, or those with less experience in technology. Effective interaction among employees is very important in maintaining good customer relations. A company in which employees communicate effectively can also reflect this in its relationships with customers.

V. Conclusion

Networking refers to various levels of interaction among partners. This is a single-layered function, and is therefore a flat organization model. In maintaining its relationships on a both internal and external level, Boeing is able to maintain good customer relationships with both new and existing customers.

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