| Summary: | The purpose of this study was the development and initial testing of a theoretical framework and the accompanying methodology for relating dimensions of a particular type of interorganizational network to characteristics of a joint program emanating from that network. The interorganizational network was conceptualized as a social action system and identified as an interorganizational collectivity (IC). The joint program considered was one in the primary prevention of mental illness. This study does not represent a test of specific research hypotheses but rather represents an attempt to develop such hypotheses through the use of empirical findings. === The theoretical framework utilized posits a relationship of mutual influence between various characteristics of the IC on the one hand and various dimensions of its primary preventive joint program on the other. The influence between the IC and its joint program is seen as tempered by the effects of two categories of contingency variables: (1) the environment in which the IC operates and (2) the program-relevant attitudes and perceptions of persons comprising the "decider subsystem" of the IC. === A single interorganizational collectivity and program were selected for intensive study. Research and analysis procedures emphasized qualitative techniques as opposed to quantitative ones. These qualitative procedures emphasize explicit, previously identified decision rules to structure variable operationalizations and analyses. === Numerous hypotheses are offered which address the relationships between organizational dominance (the dimension of the interorganizational collectivity selected for special emphasis) and other study variables. === The program studied is referred to as the Kids In Need Program (a pseudonym). This program represented an effort to prevent the incidence of serious mental health problems of youngsters already experiencing educational handicaps (learning disabilities and/or educationally-relevant emotional handicaps). Study participants viewed these children as at high-risk for mental illness. Program activities emphasized educational services for both children and their parents, advocacy, and emotional support. Significantly, program sponsors from the various participating organizations tended to emphasize different combinations of processes/outcomes/targets/goals in their descriptions of the program. === Six organizations were identified as members of the Kids In Need IC. This IC included both service-provision agencies and voluntary associations, and exhibited marked contrasts in the extent to which various member organizations participated in the primary preventive programs. The IC itself exhibited a coalitional context with a preponderance of informal interorganizational linkages and an informally constituted leadership subsystem. Members of this "decider subsystem" were drawn primarily from the dominant organization of the IC, an organization regarded by study informants as critical for the decision making for all aspects of the primary prevention program considered in this research. Interestingly, this dominant organization was able to exercise its power with only one reported instance of interorganizational coercion. === The results of this study suggests that the theoretical framework can enhance our understanding of the relationships between organizations operating joint programs and characteristics of the programs themselves. For example, the relationship between variable degrees of interorganizational coupling and the extent to which a joint program exhibits a central focus is identified as a question meriting further research. === Limitations in the methodology used in this study are identified and recommendations offered for their refinement. The importance of previously identified decision rules for use with qualitative methodologies is emphasized. === Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 41-10, Section: A, page: 4498. === Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1980.
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