Power dynamics in inter-organizational networks

Project info

Project name

7.6 Cross-border network governance for sustainable training in health care

Work package

Work

Sustainability threat

External Shocks
Feedback Cycles
Spillovers

Challenge

Reshaping organizational forms
Shared responsibility and sustainable cooperation

Study info

Description of Study

In this study, we explore power dynamics among network members occupying different hierarchical positions within their organizations. We adopt the resource dependence theoretical perspective to examine the inter-organizational dynamics at two levels. To capture the multilevel aspect, we apply a structural linked design approach (Lazega, Jourda, Mounier, & Stofer, 2008) to analyze how variation in personal and organizational advantages relate to the (in)ability of members to overcome lack of resources in a long run. This investigation takes the form of a case study of an inter-organizational network in the health care sector that operates in Germany and the Netherlands.

Study research question

We aim to explore if and how participation in multi-level collaborations alters the agentic behavior of its members, especially those in structurally disadvantaged positions within a network and/or their own organization. We ask two questions: first, what is the interplay between organizational-level and individual-level power (dis)advantage? Second, can those without resource or structural advantage can improve their outcomes, and if so, what strategies are available to them?

Collection provenance

Collected during project

Collection methods

Interview
Observation

Personal data

Yes

External Source

Source description

File formats

.docs
.mp3

Data types

Unstructured

Languages

English
Dutch
German

Coverage start

Coverage end

10/10/2018

12/06/2020

Spatial coverage

Germany

the Netherlands

Collection period start

07/10/2018

Collection period end

12/06/2020

Variables

Unit

Unit description

Sample size

Sampling method

Individuals

People who represent their organizations in a collaborative network

Total population sampling (all network members)

Organizations

Organizations that comprise the Service Team, a unit that governs the network under study.

Total population sampling (all organizations that comprise the Service Team)

Hypothesis

Theory

Individuals who represent the biggest and the most resourceful organization, and have high centrality both within and outside the organizational network would be the most successful in affecting the decision-making and improving their structural position within a network.

Based on Lazega's (2008) multilevel approach to the network governance

Variable type

Variable name

Variable description

Dependent variable

The ability of a network member to successfully negotiate one's interests or affect the decision-making