The role of values in the interorganizational network response to wicked problems

Abstract

Values are seen as important in both interorganizational networks and wicked problems. However, in both academia and practice the exact implications of these values remain unclear. In this article we examine the role of values in interorganizational networks dealing with wicked problems, by conducting a case study in a pregnancy and childbirth network. Our analysis identified both actor and network values, three value tensions among actors, and a variety of coping strategies to deal with these tensions. The findings indicate that value differentiation in networks should not be only seen as a problem, but also as an important ingredient for the achievement of network goals. Furthermore, our study revealed functional-structural and cognitive-cultural coping strategies to respond to value tensions among actors, applied by both the network administrative organization and the individual actors in the network. Lastly, we elaborate on the position and skill set of the network leader. We leverage these research results to formulate insights and recommendations for network practice.