Abstract :
The present review is an investigation of the ways in which interorganizational networks
coordinate their activities for the benefit of all parties. In this context ‘interorganizational
networks’ consist of three or more separate, collaborating entities, and the
question of their leadership has been well researched in a number of disciplines. Its
interest to economic actors is growing.However, the findings of studies that have focused
on leadership in such networks are somewhat incoherent.As demonstrated in the present
review, this incoherence largely results from the consideration of different forms of
network (e.g. hierarchical vs heterarchical), levels of analysis (e.g. organizational vs
network), and terms used to describe the phenomena (e.g. governance or orchestration,
quite apart fromleadership).Against this background, the present review contributes to
the body of knowledge on this topic in two main areas. First, the literature is reviewed in
order to provide an overview of the key characteristics of forms of network and levels of
analysis. Moreover, the view that leadership in such networks influences all members in
order to ‘make things happen’ is suggested. Secondly, future avenues of research are
identified in order to stimulate progress in this important area of study.
