Abstract
This paper compares four cases and explores the effects on network performance of network governance, coordination mechanisms, and the abilities of the network manager. The focus is on shared-governance networks, which are in general considered to have difficulties achieving high-level performances. The cross-case comparison suggests a relationship between coordination mechanisms and the way shared-governance networks are managed: in order to be successful, they must be able to rely on formalized mechanisms and make a pool of “network administrators” responsible for their governance.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Agranoff, R., & McGuire, M. (1998). Multinetwork management: Collaboration and the hollow state in local economic policy. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 8(1), 67–91.
Agranoff, R., & McGuire, M. (2001). After the network is formed. Process, power and performance. In M. Mandell (Ed.), Getting results through collaboration networks and network structures for public policy and management (pp. 11–29). Westport, CT: Quorum Books.
Agranoff, R., & McGuire, M. (2003). Collaborative public management: New strategies for local governments. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press.
Bardach, E. (1998). Getting agencies to work together. The practice and theory of managerial craftsmanship. Washington DC: Brookings Institution Press.
Bazzoli, G. J., Casey, E., Alexander, J. A., Conrad, D. A., Shortell, S. M., Sofaer, S., et al. (2003). Collaborative initiatives: Where the rubber meets the road in community partnerships. Medical Care Research and Review, 60(4), 63–94.
Conrad, D. A., Cave, S. H., Lucas, M., Harville, J., Shortell, S. M., Bazzoli, G. J., et al. (2003). Community care networks: Linking vision to outcomes for community health improvements. Medical Care Research, 60(4), 95–129.
Cristofoli, D., Maccio’ L., & Sancino, A. (2011a). Managing successful networks: The case of intermunicipality collaboration in Switzerland. Bern: Yearbook Swiss Public Administration Society.
Cristofoli, D., Maccio L., & Pedrazzi L. (2011b). Structure, mechanisms and management in succesfull networks. Paper presented at the XV IRSPM conference, 11–13 April, 2011, Dublin.
Cristofoli D., Maccio’ L., & Markovic J. (2012). Una, nessuna, centomila” recipes for a good network performance. Paper presented at the XVI IRSPM Conference, 11–13 April, 2012, Rome.
Denzin, N. K. (1978). The research act. Englewood cliffs: Prentice Hall, 2a ed.
Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (1994). Introduction. Entering the field of qualitative research. In N. K. Denzin, & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research, Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Ferlie, E., & Pettigrew, A. (1996). Managing through networks: Some issues and implications for the NHS. British Journal of Management, 7(March), 81–99.
Gray, B. (1989). Collaborating: Finding common ground for multiparty problems. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Huang, K., & Provan, K. G. (2007). Structural embeddedness and organizational social outcomes in a centrally governed mental health services network. Public Management Review, 9(2), 169–189.
Jennings, E. T., & Ewalt, J. A. (1998). Interorganizational coordination, administrative consolidation and policy performance. Public Administration Review, 58(5), 413–421.
Kenis, P., & Provan, K. G. (2009). Towards an exogenous theory of public network performance. Public Administration, 87(3), 440–456.
Kickert, W. J. M., Klijn, E. H., & Koppenjan, J. F. M. (Eds.) (1997). Managing complex networks. London: Sage.
Kljin, E. H. (1996). Analyzing and managing policy processes in complex networks: A theoretical examination of the concept policy network and its problems. Administration & Society, 28(1), 90–120.
Kort, M., & Klijn, E. H. (2011). Public-private partnerships in urban regeneration projects: Organizational form or managerial capacity? Public Administration Review, 71(4), 618–626.
Mandell, M. P. (Ed.). (2001). Getting results through collaboration networks and network structures for public policy and management. Westport, CT: Quorum Books.
McGuire, M. (2002). Managing networks: Propositions on what managers do and why they do it. Public Administration Review, 62(5), 599–609.
Meier, K. J., & O’Toole, L. J. (2001). Managerial strategies and behaviour in networks: a model with evidence from U.S. public education. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 11(3), 271–293.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis. Beverly Hills: Sage.
Mitchell, S. N., & Shortell, S. M. (2000). The governance and management of effective community health partnerships: A typology for research, policy and practice. The Milbank Quarterly, 78(2), 241–289.
Mitchell, R. E., Florin, P., & Stevenson, P. E. (2002). Supporting community-based prevention and health promotion initiatives: Developing effective technical assistance systems. Health Education and Behavior, 29(5), 620–639.
O’Toole, L. J., & Meier, K. J. (2004). Public management in intergovernmental networks: Matching structural networks and managerial networking. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 14(4), 469–494.
Provan, K. G., & Kenis, P. (2008). Modes of network governance: Structure, management and effectiveness. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 18(2), 229–252.
Provan, K. G., & Milward, B. H. (1995). A preliminary Theory of interorganizational network effectiveness. Administrative Science Quarterly, 40(1), 1–33.
Provan, K. G., & Milward, B. H. (2001). Do networks really work? A framework for evaluating public sector organizational networks. Public Administration Review, 61(4), 414–423.
Provan, K. G., & Sebastian, J. G. (1998). Networks within networks: Service link overlap, organizational cliques, and network effectiveness. Academy of Management Journal, 41(4), 453–463.
Provan, K. G., Veazie, M. A., Staten, L. K., & Teufel-Shone, N. I. (2005). The use of network analysis to strengthen community partnerships. Public Administration Review, 65(5), 603–613.
Shortell, S. M., Zukoski, A. P., Alexander, J. A., Bazzoli, G. J., Conrad, D. A., Hasnain-Wynia, R., et al. (2002). Evaluating partnerships for community health improvement: Tracking the footprints. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 27(1), 49–91.
Spitex-Association. (2011). Das ist Spitex. Website, http://www.spitex.ch/index.cfm/CFAD1211-C8F4-6C92-5B52FD8119D11097/, 9.12.2011.
Steiner, R. (2000). New public management in Swiss municipalities. International Public Management Journal, 3, 169–189.
Steiner, R. (2003). The causes, spread and effects of intermunicipal cooperation and municipal mergers in Switzerland. Public Management Review, 5(4), 551–571.
Swiss Federal Statistical Office. (2010). ‘Spitex-Statistik 2009. Online-publication http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/14/22/publ.html?publicationID=4204), 9.12.2011.
Turrini, A., Cristofoli, D., Frosini, F., & Nasi, G. (2010). Networking literature about determinants of network effectiveness. Public Administration, 88(2), 528–555.
Yin, R. K. (1984). Case study research: Design and methods. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
Acknowledgments
This article is part of a research project (no. 127512/1) financed by the Swiss National Science Foundation (http://www.snf.ch) and supported by the Swiss Public Administration Network (SPAN) (www.swipan.ch). We would also like to thank all the people that accepted to participate in our study.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cristofoli, D., Markovic, J. & Meneguzzo, M. Governance, management and performance in public networks: How to be successful in shared-governance networks. J Manag Gov 18, 77–93 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10997-012-9237-2
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10997-012-9237-2