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Network Analysis of Workforce Development Programs

Network structure is one explanatory variable to explain network performance, but its effect may be uncertain. Much research, however, has not attempted to combine network structures with other characteristics of networks – e.g., network social capital, network management, or network learning – that may explain network performance. The consideration of other network characteristics as well as the combination of network structure with other factors cannot be ignored. This study proposed four network characteristics and presented an integrated model of network performance. The model included unique aspects (structure, content, process, and management) of networks from four network perspectives. This study first examined simple relationships between each characteristic and network performance, and then extended intermediated effects of each characteristic on others. This study used 136 workforce development networks for this analysis with a social network analysis program (UCINET 6.0) and the LISREL 8.0 program. Fifteen of the twenty-five hypotheses proposed were supported. Key research findings are as follows: more diverse service networks or less centralized networks are more likely to lead to better network performance; there is a positive relationship between network social capital and network performance; service provider network learning had a positive effect on network performance; there is a positive relationship between network management and network performance; a more adaptive service provider network is more likely to have more effective network management network and to influence employer network learning processes.. This study also provided managerial implications for workforce development managers that relatively equal distributed networks (loose/decentralized network) and more cohesive networks may be one of strategic choices for maintaining workforce development program stability or increasing the network capacity. From the results of the comprehensive data analysis and procedures, this study concludes that in successful workforce development programs, a more thorough understanding of network characteristics of workforce development programs should be made. / A Dissertation submitted to the Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy. / Summer Semester, 2005. / July 1, 2005. / Public Management, Network Analysis, Workforce Development Program, Public Administration / Includes bibliographical references. / Ralph S. Brower, Professor Directing Dissertation; Robert E. Crew, Jr., Outside Committee Member; Frances S. Berry, Committee Member; Mary E. Guy, Committee Member.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_182012
ContributorsChoi, Sang Ok (authoraut), Brower, Ralph S. (professor directing dissertation), Crew, Robert E. (outside committee member), Berry, Frances S. (committee member), Guy, Mary E. (committee member), School of Public Administration and Policy (degree granting department), Florida State University (degree granting institution)
PublisherFlorida State University, Florida State University
Source SetsFlorida State University
LanguageEnglish, English
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeText, text
Format1 online resource, computer, application/pdf
RightsThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). The copyright in theses and dissertations completed at Florida State University is held by the students who author them.

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