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AbstractIn light of the burgeoning literature in whole, goal-directed networks for managing wicked problems in public management, it is timely to examine the theoretical evolution that has both shaped and constrained our understanding of these networks. In this article, we argue that contemporary study of whole networks has been dominated by an internal theoretical lens aimed at understanding how internal characteristics influence network functioning and effectiveness. This perspective assumes networks operate in differentiated environments rather than emphasizing interdependence as part of a broader ecology—networks of networks. In this article, we draw from population ecology to introduce the concept of network domains and offer evidence drawn from a population of 60 health-oriented networks in three counties to illustrate domain level characteristics. Using an inductive mode of theorizing, we leverage insights from these domains to consider population dynamics and pose propositions for advancing a program of study into domain level characteristics that may shape and constrain whole networks and their members.

This paper challenges a common understanding, implicit in many governance studies, that once policy networks are in place, the form of governing that follows is network governing. It is argued that policy networks may be understood as a way of organizing stakeholders and only under specific conditions may the governing mode in which the networks operate be termed network governing. Consequently, policy networks may subsist under other governing modes, for example, under a hierarchical mode. The present study uses actor‐centred case studies in the area of Danish employment policy. Employment policy in Denmark is municipally implemented and the study found that the local governing mode was determined mainly by the municipality's approach to local co‐governing. Less important, but nevertheless significant, is the capacity and interest of key private actors. Thus it is argued that nationally mandated local policy networks are insufficient in themselves to assure network governing in all settings. The reasons hierarchical governing modes prevail over those of network governing are identified and discussed in terms of agency and structure.

Transnational advocacy networks (TANs) with similar goals are linked to one another through brokerage networks. Analysis of a network of 10 TANs devoted to environmental issues and economic reform, and consisting of 436 advocacy organisations in 75 countries, revealed the existence of two subnetworks whose members served in several capacities as brokers: 12 advocacy organisations, which belonged to four or more TANs; eight advocacy organisations associated with the federation, Friends of the Earth, which belonged to three or more TANs. The activities of members of these networks included participation in governance of TANs, development of long-term relationships with funders, and production of reports containing information and policy analysis. For less active organisations, members of these subnetworks provided information and, in some cases, access to funding. Adapted from the source document.

Since 1918 The Netherlands has witnessed the founding of numerous
women′s organisations. The history, present situation and future
developments of Dutch women′s networks are analysed by means of network
theory. Women′s networks have been established to give women
professional and private support which they did not find in other social
and organisational circuits. Women′s networks are growing not only in
number, but also in size. With the aid of network theory three trends
are pointed out: (1) temporary support networks become real social
networks, (2) temporary issue and support networks are being created
within the broader framework of networks, (3) women′s networks are
turning into organisation networks. This higher degree of organisation
resembles the development of the role of trade unions in society. The
women′s movement seems to be moving in the same direction; therefore a
higher degree of organisation is a challenge for the future. First, in
order to become a major stakeholder for organisations the women′s
networks need to accept their mutual interdependence and should start
working according to the principles of partnership. They need to
co‐operate, and the forces within the women′s movement need to be
concentrated so that the entire movement can gain strength. Secondly,
the diversity of women′s organisations demands an internal reorientation
in order to survive the external and internal demands of the 1990s on
these networks.

The growth in studying complexity, governance, and networks is a noticeable fact. Complex public policy problems require productive collaborations among multiple actors from different sectors. Public, private, and not-for-profit organizations work through governance networks and collaborative governance to solve complex public policy problems. There is a strong interest in both the practice and theory of networks in public governance. This interest has given boost to the use of social network analysis (SNA) in studies on complex governance networks. This special issue of Complexity, Governance, & Networks, includes theoretically, conceptually, and analytically rigorous papers with social network analysis applications. The papers help our understanding in studying complex governance networks.

To analyze social network data using standard statistical approaches is to risk incorrect inference. The dependencies among observations implied in a network conceptualization undermine standard assumptions of the usual general linear models. One of the most quickly expanding areas of social and policy network methodology is the development of statistical modeling approaches that can accommodate such dependent data. In this article, we review three network statistical methods commonly used in the current literature: quadratic assignment procedures, exponential random graph models (ERGMs), and stochastic actor‐oriented models. We focus most attention on ERGMs by providing an illustrative example of a model for a strategic information network within a local government. We draw inferences about the structural role played by individuals recognized as key innovators and conclude that such an approach has much to offer in analyzing the policy process.