Bilgeri, Anna-SophiaAnna-SophiaBilgeri2023-04-132023-04-132022-09-19https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/108234To address the question: Who are we as a network?, this thesis explores how network identity evolves and influences the development of an inter-organizational network over time. Previous research on networks, as social systems beyond the common dichotomous organizational forms of hierarchy and market, emphasizes the vital role of network identity for network development. However, conceptualizations of identity have frequently appeared on an individual and organizational level, but not on a network level. To address this research gap and to understand the social phenomenon of dynamic network identity building, this thesis examines how the identity of a network evolves over time, the role of reflexive practices in building or shaping the identity of a network, and how network identity building practices can dynamically stabilize network development over time. Inspired by a structuration-oriented practice approach, this thesis investigates the development of network identity by theoretically conceptualizing and empirically reconstructing identity building as a bundle of reflexive practices. Three research questions are analyzed through a constructivist-based, longitudinal, and qualitative single case study of a Swiss integrated care network (InCareNet) to capture the complex dynamics in network development. Data collection comprises 33 semi-structured interviews, 37 non-participant observations, 153 archival records, and six reflection workshops between the research team and the field partner, InCareNet. The data analysis follows an abductive research approach, iterating between field observations and theoretical insights. The main contribution of the thesis lies in the development of a process model that elaborates on how network identity building as a bundle of reflexive practices (i.e., the network identity building practices of narrating identity, establishing social locales, involving members, and creating commitment) dynamically stabilizes over time. Based on this process model, the thesis presents three key findings. First, it shows how change can present a vital prerequisite of dynamically stabilizing network identity building. Second, it proposes that network identity building constitutes both a medium and an outcome of reflexive network development. Third, it explains how network identity building can constitute community via continuity. These findings contribute to the current debates in network literature by recognizing and analyzing the continuous reconstruction of network identity building over time.enNetzwerkmanagementGesundheitswesenIdentitätsentwicklungEDIS-5212Network managementIntegrated carestructuration theorypractice approachnetwork identitydoctoral thesis