Open AccessConnective collective action online: An examination of the hyperlink network structure of an NGO issue network
Author(s) -
Shumate Michelle,
Lipp Justin
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of computer‐mediated communication
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.15
H-Index - 119
ISSN - 1083-6101
DOI - 10.1111/j.1083-6101.2008.01436.x
Subject(s) - hyperlink , network structure , action (physics) , collective action , computer science , world wide web , political science , physics , web page , theoretical computer science , law , quantum mechanics , politics
Nonprofit, nongovernmental organization (NGO) hyperlink networks are connective public goods, or sets of interorganizational links that enable members and nonmembers to reach like‐minded organizations in order to enhance the visibility of the network’s goals. We extend collective action theory to account for both the level and structural signatures of contributions that generalist and specialist organizations make to these connective public goods. This study examines contributions that 48 English Speaking Islamic Resistance organizations make to a NGO hyperlink network. We found that generalist organizations, or organizations with heterogeneous goals, play several key roles in the connective public good. Generalist NGOs promoted the most legitimate face of the issue network, acting as brokers and authorities to other generalist NGOs, and initiators for both specialist and generalist NGOs.