This study examines conditions in which alliance networks (informal webs of bilateral entanglements between firms) may or may not evolve into multilateral alliances (broad, formal multiple-firm arrangements). I offer a theory to explain the formation of multilateral alliances based on both the resource profile and the structure of existing interfirm networks, and provide an initial test of that...

In an attempt to promote service delivery integration and improve interorganizational collaboration, many recent human service delivery initiatives have included the development of interorganizational alliances such as coalitions and coordinating councils. Despite their popularity, little is known about how these alliances influence interorganizational collaboration, specifically the extent to ...

The trend of forming alliances to develop new products continues; however, many of these new product alliances fail. As such we explore how key risk types intrinsic in new product alliances, performance, relational, and knowledge appropriation risks, influence alliance success. Further, we theorize that different alliance governance mechanisms can reduce the negative impact of risks on alliance...

A central component of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Aligning Forces for Quality (AF4Q) initiative is the use of multi-stakeholder alliances to oversee and coordinate regional health care improvement activities. While alliances hold the prospect of accomplishing together what one sector could not do if working alone, the inherent characteristics of alliances present a multitude of challe...

A mixed methodology study of inter-hospital alliances in Germany, Canada and Switzerland was conducted to describe the goals and performance of inter-hospital alliances and to identify which alliance features best predict performance. Alliance features and performance were studied through a series of 59 interviews conducted within 12 hospitals involved in such partnerships. Respondents included...

OBJECTIVE We sought to convey lessons learned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Prevention Research Centers (PRCs) about the value and challenges of private-sector alliances resulting in innovative health promotion strategies. Several PRCs based in a variety of workplace and community settings contributed. METHODS We conducted interviews with principal investigators,...