We focus on networked arrangements of digital resources that are shared among otherwise independent units to advance conceptual and empirical insights about their governance. We are motivated by the simple observation that, increasingly, independent organizations are engaging in shared activities, often relying on purpose-built digital infrastructures to support this move to inter-dependence. To advance current conceptualizations of networked governance, we draw on data from 42 public safety networks and use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. We do so because fsQCA allows us to account for the realities of inter-dependence among the concepts and variables we consider and to illuminate the multiple viable governance patterns that are possible. The results show the importance of network-level governance competencies to manage stakeholders and information infrastructure to achieve high effectiveness of PSN. Analysis makes clear that there exist five configurations of PSN governance practices that enable high levels of network governance effectiveness. Common to all these configurations are the network-level competence in managing both stakeholders and the digital infrastructure, suggesting these are necessary (but not sufficient) network-level governance competencies. Building from the analysis, we advance the role of specific network-level governance competencies, and the current conceptualization of network governance more broadly.

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Shared service providers typically host routine and administrative business processes as a way to standardize company practices and increase efficiency. In the public sector, however, its application to functions critical to an organization"s central mission is moving shared services out of the "back-office." This research employs and extends Bergeron"s (2003) framework to case analysis of two public safety networks within the United States, and prompts the addition of two new characteristics for public sector shared services, Public Policy and Type of Service. In this sector, we find that legislative controls, i.e. policy, manage information and communications technology (ICT) investment to meet efficiency and especially effectiveness goals, while mission criticality serves to trump cost considerations. Recommendations resulting from this research should lead to improvements in the cost and performance of public-sector shared services and their role in ICT-supported, mission-critical, shared services.

When technology adoption takes on fad-like characteristics, large swings in demand and expectations for the technology result. Companies can see revenues skyrocket, only to fall just as fast without understanding the dynamics of the consumer adoption decision process. In this paper, we present a model for fad-like technology adoption built upon Rogers' technology adoption lifecycle, to which we add the theory of information cascades and adopter thresholds. Adopter behaviour in each stage of the lifecycle may be individualistic or holistic, as suggested by the theories of Watkins and Durkheim. Macro (product) and micro (adopting user) level case analyses of the adoption of the Apple iPhoneTM illustrate the application of the model and the individual and holistic social actions of fad-like technology adoption. The paper closes with advice for consumer technology companies and a call for further study of industry and consumer factors that complicate the interpretation and prediction of adoption lifecycle activity.