Interorganization Theory and International Organization

Abstract

This article explores the applicability of a conceptual framework derived from interorganization theory and network analysis to the study of international organization. The framework emphasizes the pivotal role of linking-pin organizations and of boundary-role personnel within these organizations in transnational networks. A set of issue-specific and organization-specific factors accounting for variance in network structure and performance are tentatively identified, and a number of working hypotheses are formulated. The framework is applied to one case study of a recent international aviation issue with political implications, the so-called Show Cause Order—an attempt by the US Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to challenge the fare-coordinating role of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) prescribed by the postwar international aviation regime.