First, we hypothesized that the more uncertainty regarding the task, the more collaborative
effort is likely to emerge (e.g., for risk-sharing purposes). We examined whether the
collaborations resulted in the creation of operating procedures or a set of operating plans in
order to maintain the smooth operations of the tasks, where the whole or portions of the
tasks can be carried out by any actors within the network. Our definition is based on the
thesis of Thompson (1967) to refer to the standardized operations of the situations in which
organizations are trying to minimize production complexity and uncertainty. Under complex,
uncertain situations, with fluid relationships among partners, the prescribed work procedures
are to ensure the continued supports and commitments (also contributions) from
partners to the operations of networks. They would also help buffer against the deviated
behaviors of actors from the agreed-upon goals.