Master Thesis

Project Overview

To support the development of a network of companies, I conducted a survey using the Rep Grid technique to assess expectations, achievements, resistances and participation.

Abstract

The Kulturpark in Zurich West is an urban district, that combines the areas for living, events and jobs. Approximately 25 organisations and companies are located in the two buildings on Pfingstweidstrasse 10 and 16, providing services in the areas of consulting, education, and health. Together they form a business network, working on projects for a sustainable society. This study investigates how the members of these companies and organizations assess the current situation, how they experience the collaboration and what they expect from the future development.

Using the Repertory Grid technique, 17 percent of the approximately 200 employees in the Kulturpark were surveyed. This survey method combines the simple evaluation of standardized questionnaires with the flexibility of person to person interviews. A quarter of the respondents feel comfortable in the Kulturpark and are actively working with the network and its goals. They found credible partners and achieve synergies through common objectives.

Roughly half of all respondents are lacking clear concepts for the implementation of the network and its objectives and have few contact possibilities and little autonomy. They would like to develop new ideas together with others, but find themselves confused by lack of direction. The last quarter of the respondents seek exchange of information to jointly develop the network. Despite common goals and dedicated partners they perceive little room to meet and share ideas.

All respondents see a significant development in the six months since the beginning of the business network. This positive assessment applies to the future of the Kulturpark. The mix of the participating organizations is good and the potential is high.