Network Diversity and the Ability of Public Managers to Influence Performance

Abstract

Much research has focused on characterizing network management in recent years, yet very few studies have addressed how changes in the organization’s demographic composition might influence public managers’ networking activities. This study uses data from over 500 school districts in Texas to explore the effects of student body diversity on the time superintendents spend networking outside of the organization and the joint effect of diversity and networking on aggregate student performance. Using a series of regression models, the authors find that organizational (district) diversity has a positive influence on the amount of time a public manager (superintendent) spends on networking. They also find that organizational diversity has a negative effect on the performance outcome for Latino/a and Low Income students, but this influence can be mitigated by increased networking activities.