| Neighborhood-based intermediary organizations and related organizational structures are gaining increased attention for their potential to facilitate both community change efforts and comprehensive service delivery in local communities by bridging or "brokering" relationships among various segments of the community. However, the extent to which such entities actually play these roles has gone largely unexplored; such work is needed as a basis for building theory and practice around what makes for successful implementation of these efforts. In this study, social network analysis techniques were applied towards understanding the roles Neighborhood Network Centers---one form of neighborhood-based intermediary or broker organization---play in one community system. Findings show that the three Network Centers analyzed showed different levels, patterns, and modes of brokerage activity. In addition, findings suggest the differences in how bridging roles unfold given both the capacity of intermediary organizations and the neighborhoods they serve. |
