Using Social Network Analysis to Predict Early Collaboration Within Health Advocacy Coalitions

In consumer advocacy coalitions formed to advance health insurance coverage expansions, engaging in united advocacy activities soon after formation might be an important first step to effectively shape policy. This article uses social network analysis to examine how organizational characteristics and interorganizational relationships relate to early collaboration on advocacy activities. Findings suggest that organizations that have not worked together before can become engaged in collaborative activities at a relatively early stage. Furthermore, social network analysis techniques can be applied to advocacy evaluations.