Together for yourself. The development and implementation of a health-enhancing intervention within a network of organisations in a complex setting

As a rule, solving complex social problems involves several organisations with various backgrounds, interests and visions. Together, these organisations form networks that change constantly. The question is how such networks of organisations that collaborate in the context of a complex problem can create continuity and direction. This article presents the results of an empirical study into the nature and the course of cooperation in a network of organisations surrounding a complex innovation known as the “BeweegKuur”, a lifestyle intervention project geared towards promoting healthy nutrition and sufficient exercise for people at risk of type 2 diabetes and people with weight problems. The study concentrates on the social processes within the steering group and between the steering group and the larger setting. The central conclusion of the study with regard to the course of events and the interaction in BeweegKuur between 2007 and 2011 is that under the influence of social cohesion, which increases with intensive cooperation, organisations develop a growing commitment towards compromise. This can be explained by the fact that continued cooperation leads to respect and room for differences in connections, position and ambition, with an almost permanent external pressure also contributing to this social cohesion