https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1989-9477
![Sample our Politics & International Relations journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5947/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Politics-International-Relations.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
In partnership work, boundary spanning is crucial for breaking silo thinking and sustaining focus on inter-organizational targets. However, the literature is agency biased and focuses primarily on the role of individual boundary spanners. We present a complementary structural perspective emphasizing resource allocation, formation of coupling competence and institutionalized support from management. The relationship between structures, boundary spanning and partnership performance is examined using a case study of collaboration across Danish adult education, employment and business support services intended to boost training in private firms. Our findings generally affirm the theoretical propositions and illustrate two viable pathways for organizing partnerships.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1. We acknowledge that the literature offers other and broader definitions. For example, Levina and Vaast (2005) defines boundary spanners by their activities and practice and not according to their formal role in partnerships.
2. The ‘reticulist’, for example, has strong bargaining capacities needed in partnerships that include traditional adversaries or when cooperation between different professions is complicated owing to professional hierarchies (Williams 2012, 38–42). ‘Entrepreneurs’ are fit for collaboration among partners facing complex problems that demand new ideas, creativity, and innovation (Williams 2012, 53–57), while ‘coordinators’ have a more traditional secretarial function, such as scheduling meetings, taking minutes, monitoring progress, and other administrative tasks (Williams 2012, 52–53).
3. The Central Denmark Region wanted to boost continuing vocational education and training in SMEs after years of fading activity. Moreover, in line with the scholarly criticism of NPM, the region wanted to address the problem that sales consultants from various public service providers were ‘overrunning’ firms with multiple offers and propositions.
4. While the Danish adult education service consists mainly of state-run vocational schools and adult education centres, the public employment service is based on municipal job centres. The business support system is a mix of municipal, semi-private, and regional agencies drawing on the European Union’s regional policy and appertaining structural funds.