Modes of Network Governance: Structure, Management, and Effectiveness

This article examines the governance of organizational networksand the impact of governance on network effectiveness. Threebasic models, or forms, of network governance are developedfocusing on their distinct structural properties. Propositionsare formulated examining conditions for the effectiveness ofeach form. The tensions inherent in each form are then discussed,followed by the role that management may play in addressingthese tensions. Finally, the evolution of governance is explored.     

The relationship between work/family benefits and earnings: A test of competing predictions

Using data from a random statewide telephone survey, this study examines the relationship between four specific types of work/family benefits (child care, flextime, and two types of flexible leaves) and employee earnings. The research is guided by two competing theoretical perspectives. One—compensating wage differential theory—is based on the presumed cost of the benefits, and the other is based on their potential productivity enhancing effects. Despite the prevalence of the former perspective for guiding work on the impact of job characteristics on earnings, we found limited supporting evidence. Instead, earnings more closely related to work/family benefits were likely to have a positive impact on productivity, but only among those groups that stood the most to gain. Building on the findings of this study, suggestions are made to examine further how and in what ways this important new class of benefits might affect employee earnings.     

Interorganizational cooperation and decision making autonomy in a consortium multihospital system

This paper discusses interorganizational relationships within one type of multihospital system, a consortium. Reasons for the development of this type of system are presented. Hypotheses are proposed explaining how the general strategic-level decisions of hospitals may be influenced as a result of consortium affiliation.     

Resource Tangibility and Patterns of Interaction in a Publicly Funded Health and Human Services Network

This article examines a publicly funded mental health servicesnetwork, focusing on the patterns of interaction in five resource-basedsubnetworks. We argue that the structure of network relationshipscan be explained by the nature of the resources that are atthe source of the interaction. Depending on whether a particularresource is tangible or tacit, subnetwork structures will differin predictable ways. We found that the pattern of interactionsamong network organizations in resource-based subnetworks appearsto be dependent on the organizations controlling these resources(the Network Administrative Organization versus network members)as well as the nature of the resource (tangible versus knowledgebased). Our research extends theory on network interactionsas well as having implications for network practice.