Interorganizational relations and network structure: An analysis of water quality management planning
Abstract
Interorganizational relations have been a popular topic for study in the past 20 years. However, most studies have focused primarily on voluntary relations among a relatively homogeneous set of organizations such as human service agencies or corporations. This research examines the interorganizational relations among diverse organizations developed under a regional planning process mandated by Section 208 of the Clean Water Act of 1972. As would be expected from a very heterogeneous set of organizations, they varied widely on numerous important factors including size, budget, staff, autonomy, and others. Of particular interest is the finding that the interorganizational behavior of voluntary organizations does not appear to fit the same model as the other types of organizations. The dynamics of interorganizational relations appear to differ from those found in previous research based on a more limited range of organization types. This suggests that relational data from a full range of organization types needs to be further examined. The amount of influence attributed to voluntary organizations by other participants in the planning process did not differ substantially from that of nonvoluntary organizations. Organization characteristics were, in general, not strongly related to organization influence. Exceptions were resource variables, which were negatively related to influence for nonvoluntary organizations, but positively related for voluntary organizations. Indicators of network position were the best indicators of organization influence. The implications of this for future interorganizational research as well as for water quality planning are discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Potter, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Social structure
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