Structural embeddedness and organizational social outcomes in a centrally governed mental health services network

Abstract

This article is an examination of the effects of network involvement, or structural embeddedness, on three organizationally based social outcomes. Specifically, we argue that in centralized, publicly funded networks an organization's structural embeddedness will be related to its trustworthiness, reputation and influence, as rated by other network members. Results from a network survey of a publicly funded health and human service network generally confirm our hypotheses and suggest additional work on the topic.

Key words:

• Collaboration
• embeddedness
• mental health services
• public networks
• social outcomes

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Brint Milward for his involvement in the earlier development of this project.