
Interest in networks in the fields of public management and policy has grown to encompass a wide array of phenomena. However, we lack a stable and empirically verifiable taxonomy for delineating one network class from another. The authors propose all networks and multi-organizational collaborative entities can be sorted into three taxonomic classes: structural-oriented, system-oriented, and purpose-oriented. This Element reviews the intellectual disciplinary histories that have informed our understanding of each of the three classes of networks. It then offers a taxonomic description of each of the three classes of networks. Finally, it provides a field guide for empirically classifying networks. The authors hope is the taxonomy presented will serve as a tool to allow the field to quicken the pace of learning both within and across classes. When we are able to compare apples to apples and avoid inadvertent comparison of apples and oranges, we all get smarter faster.
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 25 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
