Are there differences between governing and managing strategic networks of different sizes and ages?

Abstract

Abstract This paper aims to analyze how governance and management of strategic networks (SNs) composed of small firms differ according to network size and length of existence. We analyzed 20 Brazilian SNs, comparing oldest to youngest and largest to smallest. The results show that large SNs have a more robust management structure, automated process control system, and centralized strategic decision-making power. Only small and younger SNs are not centralized and lack incentive mechanisms for members. Moreover, older SNs have a centralized strategic formulation and implementation process, whereas younger SNs have a more inclusive and participatory one. The results confirm previous studies and offer a fine-grained comprehension of the governance of SNs according to the number of members. The findings contribute to the nascent network governance theory and offer insights to network managers who have to reconfigure the governance as the number of members grows.