What causes imbalance in complex service networks? Evidence from a public health service

Katrien Verleye*, Elina Jaakkola, Ian R. Hodgkinson, Gyuchan Thomas Jun, Gaby Odekerken-Schröder

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose - Service networks are inherently complex as they comprise of many interrelated actors, often driven by divergent interests. This can result in imbalance, which refers to a situation where the interests of at least one actor in a network are not secured. Drawing on the "balanced centricity" perspective, the purpose of this paper is to explore the causes of imbalance in complex service networks.

Design/methodology/approach - Adopting a qualitative case-based approach, this paper examines a public health service network that experienced imbalance that was detrimental to the lives of its users: the Mid-Staffordshire National Health Service (NHS) Trust, UK. Drawing on service-dominant logic and stakeholder theory, case evidence provides insight into the origin and drivers of imbalance in complex public service networks.

Findings - The origin of imbalance stems from competing institutional logics of various actors (patients/public, employees, managers, regulatory bodies, etc.), but the degree to which these competing institutional logics lead to imbalance is moderated by accountability, communication, engagement, and responsiveness within the service network.

Research limitations/implications - By uncovering causes of imbalance in complex public service networks, this paper pinpoints important research avenues for developing the balanced centricity perspective.

Practical implications - The inherent existence of multiple parallel institutional arrangements makes networks imbalanced, but value creation can be achieved when the appropriate mechanisms are fostered to manage balance between divergent logics.

Originality/value - By examining imbalance as the underlying cause of network dysfunction, this research contributes to understanding of the dynamics in, and performance of, complex public service networks.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)34-56
Number of pages23
JournalJournal of Service Management
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Service-dominant logic
  • NHS
  • Health services
  • Value co-creation
  • Public services
  • Stakeholder theory
  • Institutional logics
  • Service networks
  • Complex service systems
  • Balanced centricity
  • Mid-Staffordshire Trust
  • VALUE CO-CREATION
  • BALANCED CENTRICITY
  • DOMINANT LOGIC
  • CARE
  • PERSPECTIVE
  • EXPERIENCE
  • BUSINESS
  • INNOVATION
  • DESIGN

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