CONVERGENCE IN INTERORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONS: COMPARISON OF ORGANIZATION-LEVEL AND INDIVIDUAL-LEVEL NETWORKS

JEANINE KERL MOUNT, Purdue University

Abstract

This research gives systematic attention to the variety of ways in which interorganizational relationships (IOR's) can be conceptualized, measured, and theoretically interpreted. IOR's can vary in content, e.g., sharing information, joint budgeting. They can also vary by the particular level in the organization that serves as the basis for the tie: (1) organization level, reflecting formalized-contractual agreements, (2) administrator level, reflecting work relationships and social/personal relationships across organizations, and (3) professional service provider level, reflecting boundary spanning work relationships as well as involvement in professional/social relationships with persons in other organizations. Variability across these ties of differing content and units of analysis presents a methodological and theoretical challenge for IOR research. If equivalent network structures result from ties differing in content or level, then some standardization of meaning and measurement of ties is achieved. If sharply different network structures result, however, then the theoretical interpretation must account for such differences. This research is based on the study of 27 agencies involved in the delivery of services to the aged. Interviews were conducted with the top administrator in each agency and with 72 service providers holding boundary spanning positions. Administrator interviews focused on four types of organization-level ties (information sharing, resource sharing, service delivery, and joint planning, programming or evaluation) and three types of administrator-level ties (awareness, work-related and friendship). Service provider interviews focused on three types of ties among service providers (acquaintance, work-related and social). Using Freeman's (1978) measures of network centralization, we find wide variation in overall network structure, even when comparing networks based on the same unit of analysis or having similar content. There is a generally high degree of consistency in the positions of specific actors in networks based on the same unit of analysis. Comparisons based on different units of analysis, have a slightly lower degree of consistency. When analyzing the consistency of network positions or the overlap of ties involving specific dyads of actors, stronger relationships are seen for comparisons involving organization-level and/or administrator networks.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Sociology

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