Main description:

In view of the rising importance and prevalence of network-based collaboration, this book aims to meet the need for more theory in this area. Theoretically conceptualizing and empirically describing the practice of reflexive leadership in inter-organisational networks, it explores how member organisations approach reflexive leadership and the associated challenges. Examining these questions from wider leadership theory perspectives as well as a tighter focus upon inter-organizational networks, the author specifically explores how reflexive leadership can be sustained and how social and political contexts may obstruct or support its use, acceptance and practice. Based on in-depth qualitative empirical fieldwork in the Swiss healthcare sector, the book offers a novel practice-theoretical model for use in inter-organizational networks.

Contents:

1. The need for reflexive leadership in inter-organizational networks

Research question and research issues

Relevance to research and managerial practice

Theoretical perspectives

Empirical perspectives

Contributions and structure of the book

2. Theoretical foundations of leadership in networks

Action- and structure-oriented theories of leading in networks

Affordances and limitations

Towards a practice theory of leading in networks

Summary and outlook

3. Reconstructing leadership in networks as a reflexive practice

Principles of practice theory

Networks as bundles of inter-organizational practices

The practice of leading in inter-organizational networks

The meaning and role of reflexivity in leadership practice

Summary and outlook

4. Methodology

Longitudinal qualitative comparative case study design

Research context and field access

Data collection and analysis

Research aim and ethical considerations

Summary and outlook

5. A practice-theoretical model of reflexive leadership in networks

Assumptions about networks, leadership, and the role of reflexivity

A closer look at the model

Summary and outlook

6. Case study I: Peripheral

Starting conditions (2000 - 2002)

Period 1 (2003 - 2006): Peripheral's birth

Period 2 (2007 - 2008): Peripheral's pilot phase

Period 3 (2009 - 2013): Integrating care

Summary and outlook

7. Case Study II: Urban

Starting conditions (2000 - 2006)

Period 1 (2007 - 2009): Urban's launch

Period 2 (2010 - 2012): Building Urban

Period 3 (2013 - 2014): Ambulatory primary care

Summary and outlook

8. Discussion

Comparative analysis and theorization

Theoretical implications

Practical implications

9. Conclusion