In this paper we seek to understand the dynamics of leadership in inter-organizational networks, understanding network leadership as reflexive structuration. Using comparative longitudinal data from two healthcare networks, we analyze (1) the practices underlying effective network leadership and (2) how the dynamic interplay of these practices shapes the evolution of network structures over time. The analysis shows that effective network leadership is dependent on a repertoire of practices for mobilizing distributed expertise, enabling a productive learning dialogue and creating reflection-friendly political structures. In addition, it reveals two structuration patterns, a dominant and a coequal pattern, with a different impact on the evolution of network structures. With this study, we enhance our understanding of the possibilities and limits of reflexive network development and add to a dynamic perspective on network leadership.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Event Title
76th Academy of Management Annual Meeting (AOM) 2016 "Making Organizations Meaningful"