Network Structures: Working Differently and Changing Expectations

Abstract

There is a growing need for innovative methods of dealing with complex, social problems. New types of collaborative efforts have emerged as a result of the inability of more traditional bureaucratic hierarchical arrangements such as departmental programs to resolve these problems. Network structures are one such arrangement that is at the forefront of this movement. Although collaboration through network structures establishes an innovative response to dealing with social issues, there remains an expectation that outcomes and processes are based on traditional ways of working. It is necessary for practitioners and policy makers alike to begin to understand the realities of what can be expected from network structures in order to maximize the benefits of these unique mechanisms.

Managing governance complexity and knowledge networks in transparency initiatives: the case of police open data

“…Governance networks do not necessarily involve interorganisational collaboration or coordination (Keast et al 2004). However, according to Mischen (2015), where networks do evidence collaborative governance arrangements, they also tend to evidence some overlap with characteristics of knowledge management, and both are critical to network management.…”

“…In order to conceptualise how knowledge management and collaborative governance fit together in open data, the following theoretical model (shown in Figure 1) was developed showing a 'ladder of collaboration' adapted from Hovik and Hanssen (2015). The model moves from coordination, which involves managed joint ventures, to collaboration, which is a more flexible network arrangement that allows the network to shape itself autonomously (Keast et al 2004). A corresponding hypothetical level using the example of transparency management has been added to each stage of the ladder showing increasing levels of collaboration in information and knowledge sharing and management.…”

Street Level Divergence in the Functioning of Social Welfare Networks

“…Here, the focus is on the formality of the linkages among participants. Collaboration as a variation of network functioning is often an outgrowth of felt interdependencies and includes a higher degree of risk to participants (Keast, Mandell, Brown, & Woolcock, 2004). For this reason, the linkages in a collaboration will require more formality than in a cooperation.…”

A Network for Eating and Nutrition as a platform for cooperation over the organisational borders between healthcare sectors in Sweden

“…Th ese networks were initiated as a solution to deal with complex problems over organisational borders and to support practitioners in incorporating evidence based knowledge (6). Networks are interacting and non-linear systems that in practice create the sharing of knowledge and organisational culture minimise organisational barriers and support development in the practice.…”

“…Th e involvement of policy makers in these networks can maximize the benefi ts of unique mechanisms. Networks provide a way of dealing with problems and provides solutions by bringing systemic change in traditional methods of knowledge development and intervention (6). Th e network is a construction of critical knowledge mass by the involvement of heterogenic knowledge that can enable improvement of health and care services (12).…”