Management and culture in successful networks

Purpose It is generally recognized that network management is a critical factor for network success. It is also acknowledged that different managerial behaviors are necessary in different network settings. Scholars have explored the relationships between network characteristics and managerial behaviors, but the role of network culture in influencing network managers’ activities remains under-investigated. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is developed through a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis of 18 country-based networks involved in the same EU-funded project. Findings The results shed light on two different combinations of network culture types and management practices simultaneously leading to high network performance. Originality/value The paper confirms the existence of a relationship between network management and certain characteristics of the networks, in particular network culture.