Allocation of decision rights within networks: configuration and definition principles

The aim of the paper is to propose an interpretation of network building and structure in considering the way all types of in-house decisions are organized, i.e. the content of these decisions and their level of application within the network. Indeed, the essence of a network is to be found in the double role of a meta-organization overarching individual actions and, at the same time, being able to combine these collective decisions with individual actions. Firstly, the paper provides a description of the division between individual and collective decisions within networks and of the content of these decisions. We suggest to focussing this description on the concept of intentionality. Intentionality is defined as the power, either directly or indirectly, to decide over a sub class of specific. Secondly, we show that the logic of this allocation of decision rights within the network is an answer to a global principle found in any type of organization situated in a competitive environment, that is to say: how to meet external needs (for instance consumer demand) with the use of as less as possible resources ? The principles of efficiency and effectiveness are proposed to study this question.