How do network characteristics influence network managers’ choice of strategies?

Abstract

As indicated in the research on networks over the past 10 years, network management strategies are very important for achieving results in governance networks. But what characteristics influence the deployment of network management strategies? Using quantitative data on network managers in environmental projects at the local level, this paper looks at three important network characteristics (network size, degree of hierarchy, and conflict level) and assesses their influence on three categories of network management strategies: connecting, exploring, and arranging. The results show that, for network managers, more hierarchy leads to a stronger likelihood of choosing connecting; a larger network size leads to more exploring and arranging; and more conflict correlates with less use of connecting and exploring.