美国非营利组织社会网络结构及其对中国的启发——以美国印第安纳州门罗县为例

The Social Network Structure in the Nonprofit Organizations in USA and Its Inspiration to China. Taking Monroe County, IN, USA as an Example

非营利组织之间形成的社会网络结构是反映非营利组织生命力的重要依据。笔者在美国印第安纳州门罗县通过对多家非营利组织的调研发现,美国非营利组织间形成了紧密的网络结构,根据是否存在核心成员,可将网络结构分为星状网络结构和伞状网络结构两类。资源在网络成员间流动是网络结构形成的内在动力,特别是伞状网络结构可以为成员带来社会资本这一重要无形资源;各组织之间的定位清晰、差异化服务是网络结构形成的组织基础;同时,网络结构中会有一些制度设计以增进网络成员间合作的达成,并减少无序竞争。

The social network structure formed among the nonprofit organizations is an important indicator of the vitality of the nonprofit organizations in concern. An investigation into the nonprofit organizations at Monroe County, Indiana, USA, reveals the nonprofit organizations constitute a closely-knit network structure. By the existence of core members or not, the network structures can be divided into the starshaped and the umbrella-shaped ones. The flow of resources among the network members is the very impetus for the formation of the network structure. In particular, the umbrella-shaped network structure will bring to the members social capital, an important intangible resource; the clear positioning and differentiated services among the organizations forms the organizational basis for the network structure. Additionally, the institutional design of the network structure will facilitate cooperation among the network members and reduce disorderly competition.