Multiorganizational Networks and the Role of Goal Fidelity
Faculty Advisor Name
Nara Yoon, PhD
Department
School of Strategic Leadership Studies
Description
Introduction
Multiorganizational governance networks serve a vital function in addressing complex, multifaceted issues, often termed "wicked problems" (Huxham, 2003; Kapucu et al., 2017; Koliba et al., 2011; Thomson & Perry, 2006). These networks facilitate collaboration among diverse organizations, allowing for the pooling of resources, knowledge, and expertise, which are critical in generating innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges (Agranoff, 1991; O'Tool, 1997; Provan & Milward, 2001). Despite their potential, there are significant gaps in the literature regarding the strategic planning and goal alignment within these collaborative frameworks. Prior research highlights the significance of strategic alignment in achieving network objectives (Bryson et al., 2009; Guo & Acar, 2005). This study aims to deepen the understanding of network dynamics by focusing on the concept of goal fidelity. Goal fidelity refers to the degree of agreement and alignment of goals among network members and is crucial for effective collaboration (Thomson & Perry, 2006).
The proposed Goal Fidelity Theory categorizes different types of goal agreement within collaborative networks and examines their impact on overall network performance. Building of areas of goal alignment and goal congruence (AbouAssi et al., 2023; Bryson, 2022; Vangen & Huxham, 2012). This theoretical framework offers actionable insights for leaders and managers of governance networks, empowering them to cultivate deeper alignments across varying organizational cultures and operational contexts. The connection between goal alignment and network performance can significantly enhance the effectiveness of interventions in addressing societal issues.
Implications for Practice
Understanding goal fidelity can have far-reaching implications for practitioners, including leaders and funders of governance networks. By leveraging this framework, stakeholders can better support network performance and improve collaborative outcomes. The research advocates for a recalibration of how multiorganizational networks are structured concerning the goals of their members. Fostering goal alignment is posited to lead to more effective resolutions in networks, such as those focusing on leader support and community-based challenges.
Future Research Directions
Future research will concentrate on operationalizing the constructs of Goal Fidelity and connecting them to performance measures within varying multiorganizational networks. Notably, an existing proposal anticipates exploring the application of Goal Fidelity in specific contexts, including state-based and regional domestic violence collaboratives, governance networks addressing mental health and justice issues, and community-university collaborations. By examining these frameworks, this research aims to contribute to the fields of public administration, nonprofit management, and strategic governance, ultimately enhancing collaborative efforts to tackle contemporary challenges effectively. By building our understanding and exploring proposed outcomes and potential connection of goal fidelity typologies to collaborative governance networks, the research is position to further help build upon our ability to better support and enhance the probability of success of collaborative multiorganizational network.
Multiorganizational Networks and the Role of Goal Fidelity
Introduction
Multiorganizational governance networks serve a vital function in addressing complex, multifaceted issues, often termed "wicked problems" (Huxham, 2003; Kapucu et al., 2017; Koliba et al., 2011; Thomson & Perry, 2006). These networks facilitate collaboration among diverse organizations, allowing for the pooling of resources, knowledge, and expertise, which are critical in generating innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges (Agranoff, 1991; O'Tool, 1997; Provan & Milward, 2001). Despite their potential, there are significant gaps in the literature regarding the strategic planning and goal alignment within these collaborative frameworks. Prior research highlights the significance of strategic alignment in achieving network objectives (Bryson et al., 2009; Guo & Acar, 2005). This study aims to deepen the understanding of network dynamics by focusing on the concept of goal fidelity. Goal fidelity refers to the degree of agreement and alignment of goals among network members and is crucial for effective collaboration (Thomson & Perry, 2006).
The proposed Goal Fidelity Theory categorizes different types of goal agreement within collaborative networks and examines their impact on overall network performance. Building of areas of goal alignment and goal congruence (AbouAssi et al., 2023; Bryson, 2022; Vangen & Huxham, 2012). This theoretical framework offers actionable insights for leaders and managers of governance networks, empowering them to cultivate deeper alignments across varying organizational cultures and operational contexts. The connection between goal alignment and network performance can significantly enhance the effectiveness of interventions in addressing societal issues.
Implications for Practice
Understanding goal fidelity can have far-reaching implications for practitioners, including leaders and funders of governance networks. By leveraging this framework, stakeholders can better support network performance and improve collaborative outcomes. The research advocates for a recalibration of how multiorganizational networks are structured concerning the goals of their members. Fostering goal alignment is posited to lead to more effective resolutions in networks, such as those focusing on leader support and community-based challenges.
Future Research Directions
Future research will concentrate on operationalizing the constructs of Goal Fidelity and connecting them to performance measures within varying multiorganizational networks. Notably, an existing proposal anticipates exploring the application of Goal Fidelity in specific contexts, including state-based and regional domestic violence collaboratives, governance networks addressing mental health and justice issues, and community-university collaborations. By examining these frameworks, this research aims to contribute to the fields of public administration, nonprofit management, and strategic governance, ultimately enhancing collaborative efforts to tackle contemporary challenges effectively. By building our understanding and exploring proposed outcomes and potential connection of goal fidelity typologies to collaborative governance networks, the research is position to further help build upon our ability to better support and enhance the probability of success of collaborative multiorganizational network.
