Be careful what you ask for: Things policy-makers should know before mandating networks. Issue 6 (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Popp, Janice K.; Casebeer, Ann
• Is Part Of: Healthcare management forum. Volume 28:Issue 6(2015)
• Page Start: 230
• Page End: 235
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Health services administration -- Periodicals; Health services administration -- Canada -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1177/0840470415599113
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0840-4704

Abstract

Agents of government have increasingly used networks as policy tools to connect organizations within and/or across public sector jurisdictions. This has been particularly striking in health systems across Canada. Cynics argue they are pseudo-fixes; we take a more optimistic view. We explore the unique features of mandated networks, sharing their limitations and possibilities and providing targeted messages for policy-makers considering using them, ultimately suggesting that they should "be careful what they ask for."