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POL 601: Public Management

November 16: Interorganizational Networks and Public Management

Here is what ChatGPT has to say about important research questions for interorganizational networks and public management. Interorganizational networks are a form of collaboration among different organizations that share resources, information, and goals. They are increasingly relevant for public management, as they can help address complex and wicked problems that transcend the boundaries of single organizations or sectors. Some of the most important research questions on interorganizational networks and public management are:

  • How do interorganizational networks form, evolve, and dissolve? Interorganizational networks are dynamic and emergent phenomena that depend on the interactions and relationships among the network actors. How do these actors identify potential partners, establish trust and commitment, and negotiate roles and expectations? How do they cope with changes in the network environment, such as new opportunities, challenges, or conflicts? How do they decide when to exit or terminate a network relationship?
  • How do interorganizational networks affect organizational performance and public value? Interorganizational networks can offer various benefits for the participating organizations, such as access to diverse resources, knowledge, and capabilities, increased legitimacy and reputation, and enhanced innovation and learning. However, they can also entail costs and risks, such as loss of autonomy and control, coordination and communication difficulties, goal misalignment and conflict, and opportunistic behavior. How do organizations balance the benefits and costs of network participation? How do they measure and evaluate the outcomes and impacts of network collaboration? How do they ensure that network collaboration contributes to public value creation and social welfare?
  • How do interorganizational networks influence organizational behavior and culture? Interorganizational networks can have profound effects on the attitudes, beliefs, norms, and practices of the network actors. How do network actors adapt to the network context and adopt network-oriented behaviors, such as sharing information, cooperating with others, and resolving conflicts? How do network actors learn from each other and develop new knowledge and skills? How do network actors develop a sense of identity and belonging to the network? How do network actors balance their multiple identities and loyalties to their own organization and the network?
  • How do interorganizational networks interact with other forms of governance and coordination? Interorganizational networks are not isolated from other modes of governance and coordination in the public sector, such as hierarchy, market, or community. How do network actors relate to their hierarchical authorities, such as government agencies or regulators? How do network actors compete or cooperate with other market actors, such as suppliers or customers? How do network actors engage with other community actors, such as citizens or civil society organizations? How do network actors integrate different forms of governance and coordination to achieve their goals?