The dynamics of public networks: A critique of linear process models
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 1 August 2006
Abstract
Purpose
This paper, by carrying out a review of the existent literature, tries to answer the question: what is the process an inter‐organizational public network undergoes?
Design/methodology/approach
First, different linear‐sequential network process models proposed by different scholars and disciplines are reviewed. Thereafter, grounded on the existing literature, some basic dimensions are identified, used to compare the different models proposed, highlighting complementarities and contradictions.
Findings
Different authors expect contradictory evolutions of the relations between actors along the stages. Complementing linear process models with other types of approaches, e.g. dialectical models, may well synthesize the opposing findings.
Originality/value
The gap in knowledge on public network process makes the study of network process both theoretically relevant and significant to practice. The main contribution of the paper is a comparative study of the conceptualizations of the process a network undergoes.
Keywords
Citation
Saz‐Carranza, A. and Vernis, A. (2006), "The dynamics of public networks: A critique of linear process models", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 19 No. 5, pp. 416-427. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513550610677753
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited