What Is Our Purpose Here? Network Relationships and Goal Congruence in a Goal-Directed Network

Abstract

“Whole” goal-directed networks are inherently full of conflict and tensions, but a certain level of agreement about network-level goals is important for goal-directed service delivery networks. This work examines goal congruency in a large, heterogeneous child and youth health and well-being network. By drawing on the dimensions of social capital to categorize types of network relationships, the tie portfolios that are associated with perceived goal congruence between network and organizational member goals are examined. Using crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis (cs-QCA), the results indicate that the perception of goal congruence is present when organizations have a high number of linking ties or a strong tie to network management staff combined with a high number of bridging ties. Implications are discussed for network governance and management, focusing especially on the types of relationships among network members that may need to be facilitated to support goal congruence, and thus, effective network functioning.