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Positively deviant networks: what are they and why do we need them?
Ann Casebeer1, Janice Popp, Cathie Scott
1Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. alcasebe@ucalgary.ca
Journal of Health Organization and Management
|December 22, 2009
Summary
Public sector networks can foster innovation and improve healthcare by embracing challenges and learning from "positively deviant" experiences. Continuous learning and boundary-spanning are key to successful network implementation and enhanced health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Organizational Studies
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Networks are increasingly utilized in the public sector to enhance organizational and system-level capacities.
- Understanding the true benefits and challenges of networks requires practical, embedded learning and in-depth observation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on "positively deviant" experiences of public sector networks aiming to improve organizational and system capacities.
- To explore how networks can be leveraged to enhance healthcare and improve health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Case examples of three "positively deviant" networks within diverse jurisdictional contexts and organizational cultures.
- Description of network contexts, structures, processes, and impacts.
Main Results:
- The network form facilitates nurturing change and innovation in complex organizational environments.
- Networks offer pathways for improved decision-making and service provision, alongside inherent challenges.
Conclusions:
- Success in networks hinges on "positively deviant" engagement with boundaries, demonstrating organizational learning.
- Sharing network experiences can deepen empirical and theoretical understanding of their impact on healthcare improvement.
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