Mar. 28 Introduction to Networks; to

1
Mar. 28 Introduction to Networks to the
Virtual State

• Network as a perspective
• Encompasses both hierarchical (bureaucratic) as
  well as non-hierarchical relationships
• Analyzes information patterns
• Focuses on inter-organizational bargaining over
  programmatic mattersbig (goals) and small
  (implementation details, etc.)
• Highlights accountability problems in shifting
  away from traditional hierarchies
• Networks as organization forms
• Intergovernmental (federal-state, state-local,
  etc.)
• Highly contextual
• Transfer of funds is typically the driver
• Typical problems/challenges?
• Public-private partnerships (contracting out)
• Involves bargaining and compromisemore so than
  hierarchical control
• The political sell claims of saving money
  fueled by anti-government sentiment
• Typical problems/challenges?
• Non-contractual (voluntary) partnerships
• Inter-agency (same level of government)
• Various arrangements (task force, czar, etc)
• Alternative merger under one hierarchy (ex.
  Homeland Security Administration)

2
Mar. 28 Introduction to Networks to the Virtual
State

• Introduction to book The Virtual State
• Three themes of book
• A governance perspective
• The new institutionalism (or embeddedness as
  combining economic and sociological views on
  organization)
• The enactment of technology as the major theme of
  book
• Organizations use or bend technology according
  to their established norms and values
• technology and organization relationship
  needs to be understood as reciprocal (2-way)
  technology can change an organization but the
  organization can also change or bend the
  technology-different than the intended use
• Structure of book
• Part one conceptual (theory) chapters (ch. 6
  most important)
• Part two applied cases of technology enactment
  (chs. 7-10)
• Beginning discussion on implications
• Directing the MPA program
• Correcting the Marcus Faisal (foster care)
  problem
• Other cases? Implications?