Governance of an inter-organizational network is a fascinating thing. Effective governance quickly brings one in touch with an inherent tension. Networks in order to reach the full potential of the network form as opposed to more traditional forms need to be open to emergence. Emergence is an entire subject in itself, but for me it means that the various elements of the network are able to configure themselves to address the challenges faced by the network - internally and externally. Such an emergent enterprise depends on a congruent set of norms and practices of collaboration and of distributed leadership.
At the same time, my research into networks has identified the valuable role played by central leadership and facilitation. In effect, central leadership and facilitation help to create and hold the container where emergence can play out.
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