title: Using the structure of social networks to map inter-agency relationships in public health services.
abstract: This article investigates network governance in the context of health and wellbeing services in England, focussing on relationships between managers in a range of services. There are three aims, namely to investigate, (i) the configurations of networks, (ii) the stability of network relationships over time and, (iii) the balance between formal and informal ties that underpin inter-agency relationships. Latent position cluster network models were used to characterise relationships. Managers were asked two questions, both designed to characterise informal relationships. The resulting networks differed substantially from one another in membership. Managers described networks of relationships that spanned organisational boundaries, and that changed substantially over time. The findings suggest that inter-agency co-ordination depends more on informal than on formal relationships.
authors.affiliation: Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Charles Thackrah Building, 101 Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9LJ, UK. Electronic address: r.m.west@leeds.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: West
authors.affiliation: Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Charles Thackrah Building, 101 Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9LJ, UK.
authors.forename: Allan O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: House
authors.affiliation: Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Charles Thackrah Building, 101 Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9LJ, UK.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Keen
authors.affiliation: Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Charles Thackrah Building, 101 Clarendon Road, Leeds, LS2 9LJ, UK.
authors.forename: Vicky L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D019058:Community Networks; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D011634:Public Health; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Informal networks; Latent position cluster network model; Relationships