Network structure and network performance:a comparative analysis of elderly service delivery in Shanghai

Relations between network structure and network performance are complex. Some studies have demonstrated that centralized network integration leads to positive network performance (Provan and Milward 1995; Cristofoli and... [ view full abstract ]

Relations between network structure and network performance are complex. Some studies have demonstrated that centralized network integration leads to positive network performance (Provan and Milward 1995; Cristofoli and Markovic 2015). Others argue that a decentralized network may be more effective (Kapucu and Garayev 2014) or perceived to be more effective (Lemieux-Charles, etc. 2005). The mixed results of these studies may be due to different causal paths between network structure and network effectiveness. In addition, network effectiveness has multiple dimensions and can be interpreted differently by different actors (Provan and Milward 2001). This study seeks to compare the effectiveness of two community-based service delivery networks in Shanghai, China. Two networks have varied structure but similar level of resource munificence. We investigate the causal mechanism that explains the variation of network effectiveness.