Between market, bureaucracy and clan

Abstract

The co‐ordination and control of international research networks require the use of various mechanisms in order to preserve the viability and research output of the networks. Like private and public organisations, research networks can utilize three basic modes, often termed market, bureaucracy and clan. This paper will use this framework and discuss the advantages and limits of each mechanism, using the practical experience of the Cranfield Network on European Human Resource Management (Cranet‐E), an international research network of 21 European and five non‐European countries. Special attention will be paid to the need of switching between the co‐ordination mechanisms and making parallel use of them in different areas and tasks of the network. Finally, practical recommendations will be developed that facilitate survival and high quality output in international research teams.