New Report Identifies Different Types of
Collaborative Networks

The authors argue that, “Public managers must understand what type of network they are managing and what its purpose is before they can manage it effectively.” The Report delineates four types of networks:

  1. Service implementation – jointly produce, integrate, and deliver services to clients
  2. Information diffusion – share information across governmental boundaries to anticipate and prepare for problems such as fires, hurricanes, etc.
  3. Problem-solving – often grow out of information networks to solve problems such as the 9/11 attacks
  4. Community capacity building –to enable communities to deal with present and future problems.

According to the Report,”Managing a network or managing an organization in a network is a continual balancing act since collaboration cannot be forced by resort to command and control.” The Report describes the role managers of effective networks play in carrying out five essential tasks: management of accountability, legitimacy, conflict, design, governance, and commitment. It also describes the roles members of networks need to play.

Brinton Milward, Director of the School of Public Administration and Policy, and Keith Provan, Professor of Public Administration and Policy, at the Eller College of Management, University of Arizona authored A Manager’s Guide to Choosing and Using Collaborative Networks, which was produced with support from the IBM Center for the Business of Government.

This brief, informative publication is free and available from the IBM Center for the Business of Government electronically or in hard copy.