The relationships between network commitment, its antecedents and network performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to put forward a theoretical model grounded in the literature that identifies a number of antecedent conditions associated with network commitment. Design/methodology/approach – Based upon empirical data gathered from formal healthcare networks in the UK, findings are presented that suggest different forms of commitment within networks may have opposite effects on network performance. Findings – This paper argues that commitment may play a significant role specifically associated with determining performance outcomes in networks. In so doing a theoretical model is put forward drawn from the literature to suggest possible antecedent conditions associated with commitment at the inter‐organisational level. Originality/value – To date few studies have been undertaken to examine the antecedents of commitment within networks. More importantly, the recognition of commitment as a multi‐dimensional construct within networks has yet to have informed understanding of the role commitment may play at the inter‐organisational level.