The Interorganizational Environment of Victim Service Providers: The Role of Loose and Tight Coupling

• In Event: Implications for Victim Service Providers

Abstract

Victim service provider organizations inhabit a niche composed of other, adjacent organizations such as hospitals, shelters, police, and prosecutors. Effectively serving victims entails building and maintaining relationships with these adjacent organizations. One element of these interorganizational relationships is generally framed as coupling (e.g., loose coupling). Research regarding the interorganizational coupling of victim service providers is limited. We investigate this topic by reviewing the available literature regarding victim service providers as organizations, and the literature on organizational coupling in criminal justice. Presenting data gathered from victim service providers in the US, we explore the nature and extent of interorganizational coupling and its potential impact on victim service providers. We close with recommendations for future research.

Authors

• Mackenzie E. Allred, Boise State University

• William King, Boise State University