CERGAS Seminar "What contingency factors lead to the centralization or decentralization of the networks? A configurational analysis in different health and social care networks"

Coauthors: Tie Cui, Maria Picco, Federica Segato

There is not a universally superior governance structure, as several contingencies factors can influence its occurrence. According to Provan & Kenis (2008), centralized (and decentralized) networks are characterized by a specific combination of four factors: trust distribution, network size, goal consensus, and network-level competencies. This study aims to explore which of these four contingency factors can lead to centralization or decentralization of the networks (either alone or simultaneously). To address this aim, a qualitative comparative analysis was carried out on 12 cases of health and social care integration of the Agenzia di Tutela della Salute of Milan (Italy). Results revealed that the presence of a large number of organizations leads to centralized forms of network governance. Instead, the distribution of trust and a shared goal among organizations connote decentralized networks. Unveiling the causes of the centralization/decentralization of networks contributes to addressing an existing gap in network governance literature and supports policy-makers and providers in guiding the establishment and evolution of networks.