Public Administration ETDs

Eric Chenier

Publication Date

2-1-2012

Abstract

Service implementation network engagement and its effects on the likelihood that organizations will engage in collaborative policy advocacy is studied. The research was based on a centrally governed mental health service network in Bernalillo County New Mexico. The study population consists of one for-profit network administrative organization (NAO) contracted by the state and 33 mental health service providers representing all three sectors. Based on earlier research, several hypotheses are developed regarding the roles of resource dependence, organizational embeddedness in cliques, and the bonding model of network organizing. The hypotheses are tested using multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure (MRQAP). The study generated two important findings. First, similar dependence on the NAO, based on service linkages, is found to be negatively related to policy advocacy. Second, those specific organizations who both share a clique with the NAO and who are similarly dependent upon the NAO find themselves to be more likely to engage in dyadic relations of policy advocacy. v Based on limited interview data, a qualitative analysis was undertaken. This analysis, more specifically, attempts to shine some light on the content of policy advocacy. The analysis finds that organizational decisions to engage in policy advocacy can be best understood from a bottom up approach starting with the development of social capital and understanding the dynamics of resource dependence in a centrally governed network. This analysis is followed up with a discussion, focusing on theoretical and practical implications and suggestions for further research.

Degree Name

Public Administration

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Public Administration

First Committee Member (Chair)

Rivera, Mario

Second Committee Member

Jimenez, James

Third Committee Member

Huang, Kun

Sponsors

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Language

English

Keywords

Business networks--Social aspects, Policy networks--Social aspects, Interagency coordination--Social aspects, Communication in public administration, Community mental health services--Administration

Document Type

Thesis

Download

Share

COinS