Cooperation by design: structure and cooperation in interorganizational networks

The success of interorganizational networks (ION) depends on cooperation between organizations, but different types of ION structures have different effects on cooperation. Relationships between ION structure and cooperation are examined and testable propositions are developed that high formalisation, centrality and intensity are problematic for network cooperation, while density and stability positively affect cooperation. The paper suggests how several important issues in contemporary ION can be illuminated, and firms' choices of interorganizational relationships can be informed by knowledge of structural affects on cooperation within ION.