Network Ties and Organizational Action: Explaining Variation in Social Service Provision among Congregations

• In Event: 530 - Regular Session. Voluntary and Non-Profit Organizations

Abstract

Social capital research often analyzes how involvement in voluntary associations benefits individuals or communities. Less often, however, does it address how social capital affects voluntary associations themselves; in particular, how their ties with other organizations are associated with the volume and scope of their activity. This study explores the relationship between interorganizational networks and organizational action by analyzing the collaborative ties congregations form to provide social services. Using cross-sectional and panel data from a nationally representative sample of congregations, the analyses find significant relationships between congregations’ interorganizational ties and their social service provision patterns. Congregations that collaborate with other organizations offer more programs and the effect is even greater as the number and variety of collaborators increase. Furthermore, network analysis indicates that congregations occupying equivalent interorganizational network positions behave similar to each other. Specifically, congregations with a similar portfolio of collaborators offer a similar menu of services. This study demonstrates that an organization’s network ties, net the effects of its internal characteristics, are significantly associated with its capacity for action and scope of action.

Author

• Brad Fulton, Duke University