Governance characteristics in building collaborative networks: lessons from a local initiative to reduce health inequalities

Discover Health Systems, vol. 4

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Despite extensive policy interventions, health inequalities persist. Local networks increasingly play an important role to combat inequalities. The aim of this study is to gain more insight into the governance characteristics that determine the successful establishment and early survival of a local collaborative network. Specifically, we will focus on which structural and relational characteristics of collaborative governance facilitate or hamper the initiative during the starting phase, and why. Methods: We analyze the illustrative case of Healthy and Happy The Hague, a collaborative network in one of the larger cities in the Netherlands, the main goal of which is to reduce socioeconomic health inequalities. Data collection consisted of three elements: retrospective, semi-structured interviews with participants of the network were conducted, re-occurring meetings were observed, and policy documents were systematically analyzed. A deductive analysis method was used. Results: The most important structural characteristics contributing to reducing health inequalities are multilevel collaboration, context-governance fit and adequate resources. Besides, the most important relational governance characteristics consist of incentives and commitment to collaborate, personal leadership, communication, and knowledge acquisition. Conclusion: This study shows the importance of governance characteristics when building local collaborative networks. We describe both structural and relational governance characteristics from the collaborative governance literature relevant for starting and continuing local and regional initiatives, such as our illustrative case study.

Authors 4

1. Roos van Lammeren corresponding Aachen Department of Public Health and Primary Care/Health Campus The Hague

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care/Health Campus The Hague, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Hague, The Netherlands

2. Suzan van der Pas Aachen Department of Public Health and Primary Care/Health Campus The Hague Faculty of Social Work and Applied Pshychology

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center · University of Applied Sciences Leiden

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care/Health Campus The Hague, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Hague, The Netherlands

   Faculty of Social Work and Applied Pshychology, Leiden University of Applied Sciences, Leiden, The Netherlands

3. Jelmer Schalk Aachen Department of Public Health and Primary Care/Health Campus The Hague

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care/Health Campus The Hague, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Hague, The Netherlands

4. Jet Bussemaker Aachen Department of Public Health and Primary Care/Health Campus The Hague Institute of Public Administration

   Leiden University · Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care/Health Campus The Hague, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Hague, The Netherlands

   Institute of Public Administration, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands