AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS: THE ROLE OF NETWORK STRUCTURES AND BOUNDARY SPANNER BEHAVIORS AS RELATED TO COLLABORATION IN INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL NETWORKS

Abstract

Using data collected as part of a grant project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF# 0538924), an exploratory analysis of the latent organizational structures and boundary spanner behaviors that impact perceived levels of inter-organizational collaboration among organizational employees is conducted. The importance of inter-organizational networking and collaboration is illustrated, and gaps in existing knowledge are identified. Structural and communication factors that may have a significant impact on collaborative success are explored; specifically position in organizational hierarchy, levels of communication activity, channels utilized for communication, and directional communication flow. The analysis indicates that managerialism has a significant impact on inter-organizational networking, with those in the managerial class of employees having more inter-organizational connections, networks of increased structural integrity, and higher levels of network performance than non-managerial employees. Additionally, it was found that communication behaviors and channels for communication also play a significant role in the structural and performance aspects of inter-organizational networks. The implications of these relationships are discussed, and limitations of this study are addressed in terms of the study's population, instrumentation, and potential generalization. The study concludes with a discussion of possible future directions for research, specifically focusing on research opportunities within the contexts of crisis communication and emergency management communications.