Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Multi-method Approach to Analyze Network Management and Policy Outputs

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Network Management and Governance in Policy Implementation

Part of the book series: International Series on Public Policy ((ISPP))

Abstract

This chapter outlines the research design, the case selection, the operationalization of the different variables, the data collection, and introduces the methods applied. This book is composed of three interrelated and cumulative analytical parts applying different methods to answer the two main research questions. Such a multi-method approach was considered to be an important next step (Bryson et al., Public Administration Review, 75, 647–663, 2015) to enhance “the reliability and validity of network research in public administration” (Kapucu et al., Administration & Society, 49, 1087–1120, 2017, p. 1110). The first empirical part encompasses a descriptive categorization of groups of network managers differentiated by their work context (i.e., legal status, integration, caseload, policy design phase). The second empirical part entails a case-oriented QCA as well as additional case studies and provides new insights about how these different characteristics of network managers’ work contexts interact and influence network management activities. Finally, the third empirical analysis is based on a Bayesian ordered logistic regression bringing together network-level characteristics and project-level features to explain the networks’ policy delivery capacities. As described in this chapter, the main findings from the quantitative analysis are triangulated through in-depth case study insights.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    The results of the first and second empirical analyses (both linked to research question 1) will be displayed in Chap. 5. The third empirical analysis strives at answering research question 2 and is summarized in Chap. 6.

  2. 2.

    For details on the evaluation reports, see Sager et al. (2015a, 2015b, 2015c, 2015d, 2016, 2017a, 2017b, 2017c, 2017d, 2017e, 2018a, 2018b, 2019).

  3. 3.

    Pre-projects that were implemented within only one year (as compared to normal projects implemented during the 3 years analyzed) and co-managed projects, where different actors were jointly responsible for the same project, were only counted as half a project in the calibration.

  4. 4.

    I used the average salary of middle-management bureaucrats according to the data provided by the Federal Statistical Office (see category 84, employees of the public administration in the following table): https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/statistiken/kataloge-datenbanken/tabellen.assetdetail.9127773.html

  5. 5.

    While in 12 of the networks, a full-time position or at least an 80 percent position could have been funded, the network management funds in the remaining canton were significantly lower (only a 50 percent position could have been funded). Since this network manager had to manage the network and four projects with half of the funds than all other network managers, the case was reclassified from ‘not high caseload’ to ‘high caseload’.

  6. 6.

    The budget of some of the projects only included the expenditures planned at the cantonal level, while actors on the national level performed certain tasks for which no specific budget was included in the cantonal policy programs.

  7. 7.

    For more detailed information on the data, see Sect. 3.3.

  8. 8.

    In the policy concept, the categories were labelled ‘information’ (i.e., sermons), ‘behavioral instruments’ (i.e., carrots), and ‘structural instruments’ (i.e., sticks).

  9. 9.

    Please consult the evaluation reports for more details on each of the cantonal networks: Sager et al. (2015a, 2015b, 2015c, 2015d, 2016, 2017a, 2017b, 2017c, 2017d, 2017e, 2018a, 2018b, 2019).

  10. 10.

    All in all, 194 projects were planned within the 13 networks; however, only 187 were actually implemented and could be assessed.

References

  • AbouAssi, K. (2014). Get money get involved? NGO’s reactions to donor funding and their potential involvement in the public policy processes. Voluntas International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 25(4), 968–990. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-013-9389-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berg-Schlosser, D., de Meur, G., Ragin, C. C., & Rihoux, B. (2009). Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) as an approach. In B. Rihoux & C. C. Ragin (Eds.), Configurational comparative methods: Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and related techniques (pp. 1–18). Sage publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bryson, J. M., Crosby, B. C., & Stone, M. M. (2015). Designing and implementing cross-sector collaborations: Needed and challenging. Public Administration Review, 75(5), 647–663. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.12432

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (2nd ed.). Sage publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubois, A., & Gadde, L.-E. (2002). Systematic combining: An abductive approach to case research. Journal of Business Research, 55(7), 553–560. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0148-2963(00)00195-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eriksson, K., & Lindström, U. Å. (1997). Abduction—A way to deeper understanding of the world of caring. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 11(4), 195–198. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6712.1997.tb00455.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freitag, M. (2005). Labor Schweiz: Vergleichende Wahlbeteiligungsforschung bei kantonalen Parlamentswahlen. KZfSS Kölner Zeitschrift Für Soziologie Und Sozialpsychologie, 57(4), 667–690. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11577-005-0220-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gill, J., & Witko, C. (2013). Bayesian analytical methods: A methodological prescription for public administration. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 23(2), 457–494. https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/mus091

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herranz, J. J. (2008). The multisectoral trilemma of network management. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 18(1), 1–31. https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/mum004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hovik, S., & Hanssen, G. S. (2015). The impact of network management and complexity on multi-level coordination. Public Administration, 93(2), 506–523. https://doi.org/10.1111/padm.12135

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, K., & Provan, K. G. (2007). Structural embeddedness and organizational social outcomes in a centrally governed mental health services network. Public Management Review, 9(2), 169–189. https://doi.org/10.1080/14719030701340218

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kapucu, N., Hu, Q., & Khosa, S. (2017). The state of network research in public administration. Administration & Society, 49(8), 1087–1120. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095399714555752

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaufmann, D., & Wittwer, S. (2019). Business Centre or bedroom community? The development of employment in small and medium-sized towns. Regional Studies, 53(10), 1483–1493. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2019.1585529

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klijn, E. H., Steijn, B., & Edelenbos, J. (2010). The impact of network management on outcomes in governance networks. Public Administration, 88(4), 1063–1082. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9299.2010.01826.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuenzler, J. (2018). The hard case for learning: Explaining the diversity of Swiss tobacco advertisement bans. In C. A. Dunlop, C. M. Radaelli, & P. Trein (Eds.), Learning in public policy: Analysis, modes and outcomes (pp. 267–294). Palgrave Macmillan, International Series on Public Policy. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-76210-4_12

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Ladner, A. (1996). Majorz oder Proporz. Die Auswirkungen des Wahlverfahrens auf die politische Partizipation und das politische Interessein bernischen Gemeinden. Swiss Political Science Review, 2(4), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1662-6370.1996.tb00187.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Linder, W. (1987). Politische Entscheidung und Gesetzesvollzug in der Schweiz. Haupt.

    Google Scholar 

  • Manatschal, A., & Stadelmann-Steffen, I. (2013). Cantonal variations of integration policy and their impact on immigrant educational inequality. Comparative European Politics, 11(5), 671–695. https://doi.org/10.1057/cep.2013.16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marx, A. (2010). Crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis (csQCA) and model specification: Benchmarks for future csQCA applications. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 4(2), 138–158. https://doi.org/10.5172/mra.2010.4.2.138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mavrot, C., & Hadorn, S. (2018). When rule-makers don’t comply with the rule: A non-linear approach to policy compliance. Unpublished manuscript, KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGuire, M. (2002). Managing networks: Propositions on what managers do and why they do it. Public Administration Review, 62(5), 599–609. https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-6210.00240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peters, D. T. J. M., Klijn, E. H., Stronks, K., & Harting, J. (2017). Policy coordination and integration, trust, management and performance in public health-related policy networks: A survey. International Review of Administrative Sciences, 83(1), 200–222. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020852315585061

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pleger, L. E. (2017). Voters’ acceptance of land use policy measures: A two-level analysis. Land Use Policy, 63, 501–513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2017.02.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Provan, K. G., & Kenis, P. (2008). Modes of network governance: Structure, management, and effectiveness. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 18(2), 229–252. https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/mum015

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Przeworski, A., & Teune, H. (1970). The logic of comparative social inquiry. Wiley-Interscience.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raab, J., & Kenis, P. (2009). Heading toward a society of networks: Empirical developments and theoretical challenges. Journal of Management Inquiry, 18(3), 198–210. https://doi.org/10.1177/1056492609337493

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riccucci, N. M. (2010). Public administration: Traditions of inquiry and philosophies of knowledge. Georgetown University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rihoux, B., & de Meur, G. (2009). Crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis (csQCA). In B. Rihoux & C. C. Ragin (Eds.), Configurational comparative methods: Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and related techniques (Vol. 51, pp. 33–68). Sage publications.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Rohlfing, I., & Schneider, C. Q. (2013). Improving research on necessary conditions: Formalized case selection for process tracing after QCA. Political Research Quarterly, 66(1), 220–235.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sager, F. (2003). Kompensationsmöglichkeiten föderaler Vollzugsdefizite. Das Beispiel der kantonalen Alkoholpräventionspolitiken. Swiss Political Science Review, 9(1), 309–333. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1662-6370.2003.tb00409.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sager, F., Hadorn, S., & Mavrot, C. (2017e). Evaluation des kantonalen Tabakpräventionsprogramms Thurgau 2014–2017. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern. https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.100109

  • Sager, F., Hadorn, S., Mavrot, C., Wittwer, S., & Züger, M. (2017a). Evaluation des kantonalen Tabakpräventionsprogramms Basel-Stadt 2014–2017. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.102341

  • Sager, F., Hadorn, S., Mavrot, C., & Züger, M. (2018a). Evaluation des kantonalen Tabakpräventionsprogramms Basel-Landschaft 2015–2018. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.116950

  • Sager, F., Mavrot, C., Hadorn, S., & Demaurex, A. (2017c). Évaluation du Programme de prévention du tabagisme du canton du Valais 2013–2016. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.93382

  • Sager, F., Mavrot, C., Hadorn, S., Demaurex, A., & Graf, V. (2017b). Évaluation du Programme de prévention du tabagisme du canton de Fribourg 2014–2017. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.105151

  • Sager, F., Mavrot, C., Hadorn, S., Demaurex, A., & Graf, V. (2018b). Évaluation du Programme de prévention du tabagisme du canton de Vaud 2014–2017. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.111551

  • Sager, F., Mavrot, C., Hadorn, S., Demaurex, A., & Graf, V. (2019). Évaluation du Programme de prévention du tabagisme du canton de Tessin 2015–2018. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern. https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.125921

  • Sager, F., Mavrot, C., Hadorn, S., & Graf, V. (2017d). Évaluation du Programme de prévention du tabagisme du canton du Jura 2014–2016. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern. https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.99552

  • Sager, F., Mavrot, C., Hadorn, S., & Pleger, L. E. (2015a). Evaluation des kantonalen Tabakpräventionsprogramms Uri 2012–2015. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern. https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.70709

  • Sager, F., Mavrot, C., Hadorn, S., Pleger, L. E., & Wicki, M. (2015b). Evaluation des kantonalen Tabakpräventionsprogramms Solothurn 2012–2015. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern. https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.72751

  • Sager, F., Mavrot, C., Hadorn, S., Pleger, L. E., & Wicki, M. (2015c). Evaluation des kantonalen Tabakpräventionsprogramms St.Gallen 2012–2015. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern. https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.72892

  • Sager, F., Mavrot, C., Hadorn, S., Pleger, L. E., & Wicki, M. (2015d). Evaluation des kantonalen Tabakpräventionsprogramms Zug 2012–2015. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern. https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.71154

  • Sager, F., Mavrot, C., Hadorn, S., Pleger, L. E., & Wicki, M. (2016). Evaluation des kantonalen Tabakpräventionsprogramms Zürich 2013–2016. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern. https://doi.org/10.7892/boris.78884

  • Sager, F., & Thomann, E. (2017). Multiple streams in member state implementation: Politics, problem construction and policy paths in Swiss asylum policy. Journal of Public Policy, 37(3), 287–314. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0143814X1600009X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, C. Q., & Rohlfing, I. (2013). Combining QCA and process tracing in set-theoretic multi-method research. Sociological Methods & Research, 42(4), 559–597. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124113481341

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, C. Q., & Wagemann, C. (2010). Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and fuzzy-sets: Agenda for a research approach and a data analysis technique. Comparative Sociology, 9(3), 376–396. https://doi.org/10.1163/156913210X12493538729838

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, C. Q., & Wagemann, C. (2012). Set-theoretic methods for the social sciences: A guide to qualitative comparative analysis. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139004244

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, C. Q., & Wagemann, C. (2013). Doing justice to logical remainders in QCA: Moving beyond the standard analysis. Political Research Quarterly, 66(1), 211–220. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23563605

  • Seawright, J. (2016). Multi-method social science: Combining qualitative and quantitative tools. Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Thomann, E. (2015). Is output performance all about the resources? A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis of street-level bureaucrats in Switzerland. Public Administration, 93(1), 177–194. https://doi.org/10.1111/padm.12130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thomann, E., & Maggetti, M. (2017). Designing research with qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) approaches, challenges, and tools. Sociological Methods & Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124117729700

  • Thomann, E., Oana, I.-E., & Wittwer, S. (2018). Performing fuzzy—And crisp set QCA with R: A user—Oriented beginner’s guide. Retrieved August 18, 2018, from http://www.evathomann.com/links/qca-r-manual

  • Turrini, A., Cristofoli, D., Frosini, F., & Nasi, G. (2010). Networking literature about determinants of network effectiveness. Public Administration, 88(2), 528–550. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9299.2009.01791.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vatter, A. (2002). Kantonale Demokratien im Vergleich: Entstehungsgründe, Interaktionen und Wirkungen politischer Institutionen in den Schweizer Kantonen. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-322-99323-6

  • Vedung, E. (1998). Policy instruments: Typologies and theories. In M.-L. Bemelmans-Videc, R. C. Rist, & E. Vedung (Eds.), Carrots, sticks and sermons: Policy instruments and their evaluation (pp. 21–58). Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, K. M., & Gill, J. (2005). Bayesian inference in public administration research: Substantive differences from somewhat different assumptions. International Journal of Public Administration, 28(1–2), 5–35. https://doi.org/10.1081/PAD-200044556

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. KPM Center for Public Management, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

    Susanne Hadorn

Authors
  1. Susanne Hadorn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

3.1 Electronic Supplementary Material

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Hadorn, S. (2022). A Multi-method Approach to Analyze Network Management and Policy Outputs. In: Network Management and Governance in Policy Implementation. International Series on Public Policy . Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08808-7_3

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation