Since public networks became widespread,
doubts have arisen over how to make them
succeed. Scholars have traditionally addressed
the issue in different ways, thus variously
shedding light on the network structure,
mechanisms, or managers as predictors of
the network performance. The aim of our article
is to explore the possibility of an interaction
effect between the abovementioned factors.
Our results show that there may be a relationship
between network structure, mechanisms,
and managers that jointly affects network performance.
Therefore, important suggestions
can be made about how to manage public
networks successfully: (1) ensure that your
network mechanisms and managerial abilities
are coherent with the structure of your network;
and (2) if you are in a well-established
and integrated network, allow yourself some
flexibility. Data were collected through a multiple
case study that focused on collaboration
for joint provision of home care services in
Switzerland.