Networking: a managerial strategy for research development in a service setting

An innovative managerial strategy--networking--used to establish and promote a nursing research program within three teaching hospitals in Boston is outlined in this article. Networking provides an opportunity for research and program development experts to share resources to meet common needs and goals. One of the advantages of a research network is that it can provide educational offerings that will stimulate all levels of professional nursing staff independent of their research background. Results of a survey the network conducted to determine a citywide profile of nursing research needs are presented.