Theoretical Advances in Our Understanding of Network Effectiveness

Abstract

Network effectiveness is heavily theorized in the public management and administration literatures. In this article, I synthesize the literature on network effectiveness and the role of organizational theory within this literature. The review illustrates a considerable amount of organization theorizing, which suggests that the subfield of organizational theory, while not always explicit, is very much alive and well. Next, I identify what the literature does well, areas for improvement, and recent work addressing those gaps. One such gap is the mismatch between the theory in its formulation and the methods used to test said theory. While theory is configurational, testing rarely makes use of configurational methods. Further, the majority of the literature treats networks as static despite widespread recognition that networks are in fact quite dynamic. Recent theoretical and methodological advancements have been made to address these shortcomings, but these efforts continue to be the aberration rather than the norm. Finally, I provide an example of one future direction for theorizing which builds upon recent advancements. More specifically, I provide two ideal type configurational paths to network effectiveness which account for one dynamic aspect of a network, namely the sequential introduction of actors into the network.

Cross-Sector Collaboration to Improve Homeless Services: Addressing Capacity, Innovation, and Equity Challenges

“…In looking at what makes cross-sector collaboration most effective, research has found four basic areas (Smith 2020). First is a supportive system context, understood as “the host of political, legal, socioeconomic, environmental and other influences that affect and are affected by the collaborative governance regime” (Emerson, Nabatchi, and Balogh 2012, 5).…”

Cross-sectoral collaboration: comparing complex child service delivery systems

“…Fourth, although we were able to determine and compare the differentiation and integration of the child welfare and healthcare services delivery networks that are critical for network success (Kramer, 2014; Popp et al. , 2014; Provan and Lemaire, 2012; Provan and Milward, 1995, 2001; Smith, 2020; Turrini et al. , 2010), we did not examine whether the structural form has an actual influence on network outputs or outcomes.…”

Network Governance in Action: Functions and Practices to Foster Collaborative Environments

“…While individual organizations usually rely on rigid bureaucratic and hierarchical mechanisms to guarantee the authority and the execution of activities, collaborative networks rely on flexible structures and intense communication to nurture collaboration and stimulate collective action (Wachhaus, 2012). According to Smith (2020), a collaborative network refers to a group of three or more interdependent organizations that come together using collective decision-making practices to achieve a specific goal. Collaborative networks demand governance efforts, that is, governing collaborations refers to the governance of collaborative entities per se (Vangen et al, 2015).…”

“…Collaborative networks demand governance efforts, that is, governing collaborations refers to the governance of collaborative entities per se (Vangen et al, 2015). Conflicts are managed through repeated interactions that encourage and foster norms of trust and reciprocity (Smith, 2020). This type of network governance comprises the design of a coordination structure (Mariani, 2016;Provan & Kenis, 2008) for organizing collective actions and achieving common objectives (Albers, 2005(Albers, , 2010.…”

“…However, governing collaborative networks is challenging due to the diversity of stakeholders involved, the asymmetry of power and information, and conflicting goals that may arise among members (Smith, 2020). Several studies have been conducted to understand how networks can be governed and how network effectiveness can be improved (Ansell & Gash, 2008;Assens & Lemeur, 2016;Klijn & Koppenjan, 2016;Moretti, 2017;Provan & Kenis, 2008).…”