John Peterson and Laurence J. O'Toole
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199245000
- eISBN:
- 9780191599996
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199245002.003.0012
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
The authors start by pointing out that as institutional forms for the governance of polities on a massive scale in the USA and the EU, networks face serious and potentially disabling challenges in ...
More
The authors start by pointing out that as institutional forms for the governance of polities on a massive scale in the USA and the EU, networks face serious and potentially disabling challenges in terms of legitimacy. Network forms of governance tend to advantage experts or sophisticated actors who are familiar with all levels of government in federal systems, as opposed to ordinary citizens. To ignore the normative questions about input legitimacy to which network governance gives rise to risks weakening the democratic foundations of the federalist contracts that bind together levels of governance, public, quasi‐public, and private actors, and states and citizens in Europe and America. The argument is presented in four sections: first, an explanation is given of why network forms of governance have proliferated and the legitimacy issues that arise are considered, yielding a set of assessment criteria to be applied in framing analyses of legitimacy in different, real‐world political systems; second, an examination is made of networks in the EU; third, an assessment is offered of network structures in American governance; last, network structures in the two polities are compared and contrasted, highlighting both critical issues and network features with implications for legitimacy, as well as ways in which the democratic deficit that plagues network forms of governance might be closed.Less
The authors start by pointing out that as institutional forms for the governance of polities on a massive scale in the USA and the EU, networks face serious and potentially disabling challenges in terms of legitimacy. Network forms of governance tend to advantage experts or sophisticated actors who are familiar with all levels of government in federal systems, as opposed to ordinary citizens. To ignore the normative questions about input legitimacy to which network governance gives rise to risks weakening the democratic foundations of the federalist contracts that bind together levels of governance, public, quasi‐public, and private actors, and states and citizens in Europe and America. The argument is presented in four sections: first, an explanation is given of why network forms of governance have proliferated and the legitimacy issues that arise are considered, yielding a set of assessment criteria to be applied in framing analyses of legitimacy in different, real‐world political systems; second, an examination is made of networks in the EU; third, an assessment is offered of network structures in American governance; last, network structures in the two polities are compared and contrasted, highlighting both critical issues and network features with implications for legitimacy, as well as ways in which the democratic deficit that plagues network forms of governance might be closed.
Rhodes Bevir
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199580750
- eISBN:
- 9780191723179
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580750.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Political Theory
This chapter takes the concepts explained in Chapter 4 and applies them to present-day approaches to the changing state. Such changes are typically described as a shift to governance. First-wave ...
More
This chapter takes the concepts explained in Chapter 4 and applies them to present-day approaches to the changing state. Such changes are typically described as a shift to governance. First-wave studies of governance typically describe changes in the state and its links to civil society as akin to a differentiated polity. This polity was characterized by a hollowed-out state, a core executive fumbling to pull rubber levers of control, and, most notably, a massive spread of policy networks. Second-wave studies of governance herald a return to the state with the idea of metagovernance. The chapter pronounces the death of both narratives, because there is no single account or theory of contemporary governance, only the differing constructions of several traditions. Therefore, the chapter identifies a third wave of governance that focuses on the stateless state. The state arises out of the diverse actions and practices inspired by varied beliefs and traditions. The state, or pattern of rule, is the contingent product of diverse actions and political struggles informed by the beliefs of agents rooted in traditions. We identify new research topics suggested by our decentred analysis under the headings of the ‘3Rs’ of rule, rationalities, and resistance.Less
This chapter takes the concepts explained in Chapter 4 and applies them to present-day approaches to the changing state. Such changes are typically described as a shift to governance. First-wave studies of governance typically describe changes in the state and its links to civil society as akin to a differentiated polity. This polity was characterized by a hollowed-out state, a core executive fumbling to pull rubber levers of control, and, most notably, a massive spread of policy networks. Second-wave studies of governance herald a return to the state with the idea of metagovernance. The chapter pronounces the death of both narratives, because there is no single account or theory of contemporary governance, only the differing constructions of several traditions. Therefore, the chapter identifies a third wave of governance that focuses on the stateless state. The state arises out of the diverse actions and practices inspired by varied beliefs and traditions. The state, or pattern of rule, is the contingent product of diverse actions and political struggles informed by the beliefs of agents rooted in traditions. We identify new research topics suggested by our decentred analysis under the headings of the ‘3Rs’ of rule, rationalities, and resistance.
Maarten A. Hajer
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199281671
- eISBN:
- 9780191713132
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199281671.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter signals the ‘authority paradox’ of mediatized politics: while media attention gives a boost to the symbolic authority of the classical-modernist political centre, actual problem solving ...
More
This chapter signals the ‘authority paradox’ of mediatized politics: while media attention gives a boost to the symbolic authority of the classical-modernist political centre, actual problem solving requires complex forms of network governance that resist mediatic representation. This has a democratic significance: while classical-modernist government is increasingly recombined with network governance, this latter genre remains largely invisible. In order to be able to solve this paradox, we should rethink authority in an age of mediatization. In a mediatized environment, meanings meander and evolve through a string of staged performances at a variety of interconnected settings, including those of classical-modernist politics. Authority is now understood in terms of the string of enactments at various stages through which different relationships with multiple publics get established. Using that understanding, there is a future for an authoritative governance in an age of mediatization.Less
This chapter signals the ‘authority paradox’ of mediatized politics: while media attention gives a boost to the symbolic authority of the classical-modernist political centre, actual problem solving requires complex forms of network governance that resist mediatic representation. This has a democratic significance: while classical-modernist government is increasingly recombined with network governance, this latter genre remains largely invisible. In order to be able to solve this paradox, we should rethink authority in an age of mediatization. In a mediatized environment, meanings meander and evolve through a string of staged performances at a variety of interconnected settings, including those of classical-modernist politics. Authority is now understood in terms of the string of enactments at various stages through which different relationships with multiple publics get established. Using that understanding, there is a future for an authoritative governance in an age of mediatization.
John S. Dryzek and Simon Niemeyer
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199562947
- eISBN:
- 9780191595042
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562947.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, Political Theory
Traditionally, democratic theorists have located democracy in the accountable institutions of the sovereign state. The rise of networked governance undercuts notions of sovereignty and ...
More
Traditionally, democratic theorists have located democracy in the accountable institutions of the sovereign state. The rise of networked governance undercuts notions of sovereignty and accountability, for networks often do not correspond to traditional political units. They are informal, sometimes transnational, and engaged by public and private actors from many different locations. Traditional aggregative and electoral ideas about democracy are helpless in the face of these developments. Governance networks can be interpreted fruitfully as deliberative systems, enabling democratic standards to be applied in the evaluation of such governance.Less
Traditionally, democratic theorists have located democracy in the accountable institutions of the sovereign state. The rise of networked governance undercuts notions of sovereignty and accountability, for networks often do not correspond to traditional political units. They are informal, sometimes transnational, and engaged by public and private actors from many different locations. Traditional aggregative and electoral ideas about democracy are helpless in the face of these developments. Governance networks can be interpreted fruitfully as deliberative systems, enabling democratic standards to be applied in the evaluation of such governance.
Simona Piattoni
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199562923
- eISBN:
- 9780191721656
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199562923.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, European Union
MLG is also a description of how policy decisions are made in the EU. While policy‐making studies in the EU abound, what is missing is their explicit connection to theoretical propositions of which ...
More
MLG is also a description of how policy decisions are made in the EU. While policy‐making studies in the EU abound, what is missing is their explicit connection to theoretical propositions of which they should represent confirmations or falsifications. This part of the book uses existing empirical material in order to test the theoretical propositions derived in the first part of the book against the evidence offered by empirical studies of EU policy‐making. This chapter discusses the criteria that should be used in testing the empirical evidence contained in the following chapters and compares MLG to other governance and Europeanization approaches.Less
MLG is also a description of how policy decisions are made in the EU. While policy‐making studies in the EU abound, what is missing is their explicit connection to theoretical propositions of which they should represent confirmations or falsifications. This part of the book uses existing empirical material in order to test the theoretical propositions derived in the first part of the book against the evidence offered by empirical studies of EU policy‐making. This chapter discusses the criteria that should be used in testing the empirical evidence contained in the following chapters and compares MLG to other governance and Europeanization approaches.
Beate Kohler-Koch (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199252268
- eISBN:
- 9780191601040
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199252262.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
European governance ranks high on the present research agenda on the EU and Europeanization and has attracted considerable attention in public and academic debate over the past decade. This book – a ...
More
European governance ranks high on the present research agenda on the EU and Europeanization and has attracted considerable attention in public and academic debate over the past decade. This book – a well-chosen selection from recent studies of leading scholars in the field – takes a special approach to the subject as it highlights the multi-faceted interconnectedness of EU and national governance. It reveals the extent to which the EU has been transformed from a multi-level polity to a system of penetrated governance embracing a ‘communicative universe’ and a European public space. The individual chapters are colourful representations of the different facets of European governance, which come to light when policy formulation and implementation in the EU is understood as network governance linking both different levels of policy-making and a wide variety of state and society actors. On the one hand, the EU and, especially, the Commission refer to an extensive repertoire of ’hard‘ and ’soft‘ procedures and instruments to link a multitude of actors and arenas and, thereby, trigger off substantial change in the member states. On the other hand, national, subnational and societal actors show differentiated modes of response and adaptation to manage the new challenges within the expanding EU system, to cope with common problems and to shape problem-solving strategies according to their own ideas. As the contributions focus on the diverse mechanisms which link EU and national governance they demonstrate the many constraints state and society actors are facing within the Union but also the readiness and capacity of these actors to deal with demands for adjustment and institutional reforms. They also reveal that compliance is a reaction to hierarchical coercion as well as to horizontal enforcement. Eventually, apart from this more functional view, the penetrated system of European goverance is looked at from a normative perspective, thus, investigating both the prospect of improving multi-level representative democracy and the formation of a European public sphere.Less
European governance ranks high on the present research agenda on the EU and Europeanization and has attracted considerable attention in public and academic debate over the past decade. This book – a well-chosen selection from recent studies of leading scholars in the field – takes a special approach to the subject as it highlights the multi-faceted interconnectedness of EU and national governance. It reveals the extent to which the EU has been transformed from a multi-level polity to a system of penetrated governance embracing a ‘communicative universe’ and a European public space. The individual chapters are colourful representations of the different facets of European governance, which come to light when policy formulation and implementation in the EU is understood as network governance linking both different levels of policy-making and a wide variety of state and society actors. On the one hand, the EU and, especially, the Commission refer to an extensive repertoire of ’hard‘ and ’soft‘ procedures and instruments to link a multitude of actors and arenas and, thereby, trigger off substantial change in the member states. On the other hand, national, subnational and societal actors show differentiated modes of response and adaptation to manage the new challenges within the expanding EU system, to cope with common problems and to shape problem-solving strategies according to their own ideas. As the contributions focus on the diverse mechanisms which link EU and national governance they demonstrate the many constraints state and society actors are facing within the Union but also the readiness and capacity of these actors to deal with demands for adjustment and institutional reforms. They also reveal that compliance is a reaction to hierarchical coercion as well as to horizontal enforcement. Eventually, apart from this more functional view, the penetrated system of European goverance is looked at from a normative perspective, thus, investigating both the prospect of improving multi-level representative democracy and the formation of a European public sphere.
Jonathan S. Davies
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426154
- eISBN:
- 9781447301639
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426154.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Theory
This book develops a Gramscian account of contemporary governance. It critiques the fashionable view that there has been a shift from hierarchy to networks, arguing instead that the ideology of ...
More
This book develops a Gramscian account of contemporary governance. It critiques the fashionable view that there has been a shift from hierarchy to networks, arguing instead that the ideology of network governance is part of the neoliberal hegemonic project. However, there are major barriers to accomplishing this project.Less
This book develops a Gramscian account of contemporary governance. It critiques the fashionable view that there has been a shift from hierarchy to networks, arguing instead that the ideology of network governance is part of the neoliberal hegemonic project. However, there are major barriers to accomplishing this project.
Jonathan S. Davies
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426154
- eISBN:
- 9781447301639
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426154.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Theory
This chapter begins by linking the Gramscian approach with dialectical network analysis. It develops three heuristics to summarise the substantive theoretical and empirical claims discussed in ...
More
This chapter begins by linking the Gramscian approach with dialectical network analysis. It develops three heuristics to summarise the substantive theoretical and empirical claims discussed in preceding chapters and to inform future research. The first summarises the Gramscian perspective at the macro, meso, and micro levels of analysis. The second highlights the distinctions between the Marxist-Gramscian ‘strongly dialectical’ approach, the ‘weakly dialectical’ approach associated with neo-Gramscians, and the ‘post-dialectical’ account characteristic of approaches such as the Differentiated Polity Model. The third heuristic considers possible varieties of governance from the standpoint of hegemony, domination, and resistance. This chapter explores the dilemmas of researching network governance as hegemony, considering the role of critical researchers as would-be public intellectuals, and potentially fruitful research strategies for studying governance networks comparatively. The final part of this chapter considers the strengths and limitations of the network as a medium of counter-hegemonic power beyond the state-civil society interface.Less
This chapter begins by linking the Gramscian approach with dialectical network analysis. It develops three heuristics to summarise the substantive theoretical and empirical claims discussed in preceding chapters and to inform future research. The first summarises the Gramscian perspective at the macro, meso, and micro levels of analysis. The second highlights the distinctions between the Marxist-Gramscian ‘strongly dialectical’ approach, the ‘weakly dialectical’ approach associated with neo-Gramscians, and the ‘post-dialectical’ account characteristic of approaches such as the Differentiated Polity Model. The third heuristic considers possible varieties of governance from the standpoint of hegemony, domination, and resistance. This chapter explores the dilemmas of researching network governance as hegemony, considering the role of critical researchers as would-be public intellectuals, and potentially fruitful research strategies for studying governance networks comparatively. The final part of this chapter considers the strengths and limitations of the network as a medium of counter-hegemonic power beyond the state-civil society interface.
Jonathan S. Davies
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426154
- eISBN:
- 9781447301639
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426154.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Theory
This chapter begins by exploring the roots of orthodox network governance theory and the variety of approaches influenced by post-traditional ideas. It then discusses the roots of post-traditional ...
More
This chapter begins by exploring the roots of orthodox network governance theory and the variety of approaches influenced by post-traditional ideas. It then discusses the roots of post-traditional thinking in social theory, notably the theory of reflexive modernization and post-traditional ideas about changing forms of governance. Reflexive modernisation is by no means a master-concept. However, it is a clear statement of the transformation thesis and has influenced both governance theories and policies, notably through ‘The Third Way’. The latter part of the chapter examines the influence of post-traditional thought on currents in contemporary Marxism and emancipatory theory. It illustrates that the network is at the heart of a cross-disciplinary, cross-theoretical orthodoxy influencing elites and subalterns alike: the move from command to cooperation, being to becoming and fixity to flow.Less
This chapter begins by exploring the roots of orthodox network governance theory and the variety of approaches influenced by post-traditional ideas. It then discusses the roots of post-traditional thinking in social theory, notably the theory of reflexive modernization and post-traditional ideas about changing forms of governance. Reflexive modernisation is by no means a master-concept. However, it is a clear statement of the transformation thesis and has influenced both governance theories and policies, notably through ‘The Third Way’. The latter part of the chapter examines the influence of post-traditional thought on currents in contemporary Marxism and emancipatory theory. It illustrates that the network is at the heart of a cross-disciplinary, cross-theoretical orthodoxy influencing elites and subalterns alike: the move from command to cooperation, being to becoming and fixity to flow.
Jonathan S. Davies
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426154
- eISBN:
- 9781447301639
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426154.003.0004
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Theory
This chapter discusses the development of the critique of the network governance theory, exploring the avalanche of literatures suggesting that state-market-civil society networks are ‘governance as ...
More
This chapter discusses the development of the critique of the network governance theory, exploring the avalanche of literatures suggesting that state-market-civil society networks are ‘governance as usual’. Governance networks often turn out to be the same kinds of institutions as those they were meant to transcend, replicating hierarchies, exclusions, and inequalities and arguably aggravating endemic distrust. This chapter draws on a range of critical literatures in arguing that network governance is probably rare and highly vulnerable to being swamped by the hierarchical, inequitable, and instrumental practices it was meant to transcend. The latter part of the chapter explores the strengths and weaknesses of the Foucauldian account as a critical perspective from within the post-traditional milieu itself, arguing that despite its undoubted potency, it is undermined by scepticism towards structure and the consequent failure to recognise the role of the capitalist state as an agent of both governmentality and coercive power.Less
This chapter discusses the development of the critique of the network governance theory, exploring the avalanche of literatures suggesting that state-market-civil society networks are ‘governance as usual’. Governance networks often turn out to be the same kinds of institutions as those they were meant to transcend, replicating hierarchies, exclusions, and inequalities and arguably aggravating endemic distrust. This chapter draws on a range of critical literatures in arguing that network governance is probably rare and highly vulnerable to being swamped by the hierarchical, inequitable, and instrumental practices it was meant to transcend. The latter part of the chapter explores the strengths and weaknesses of the Foucauldian account as a critical perspective from within the post-traditional milieu itself, arguing that despite its undoubted potency, it is undermined by scepticism towards structure and the consequent failure to recognise the role of the capitalist state as an agent of both governmentality and coercive power.
Jonathan S. Davies
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426154
- eISBN:
- 9781447301639
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426154.003.0003
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Theory
This chapter charts the rise of the governing network in international public policy, particularly in the UK, and explores the diffusion of network governance ideologies and the cultivation of ...
More
This chapter charts the rise of the governing network in international public policy, particularly in the UK, and explores the diffusion of network governance ideologies and the cultivation of governance networks globally. Using the evolution of New Labour as its paradigm case, it shows how ideas like reflexive modernisation influenced political thinking through network governance policies. This chapter also discusses the issue of the extent to which, in internalising and advocating influential academic ideas, governments are able to perform the ‘theory effect’, cultivating institutions and practices faithful to the concepts that inspire them. This chapter concludes that in contrast with ideologues in the theoretical and political domains, even sympathetic empirical researchers rarely offer unqualified support to the network governance project.Less
This chapter charts the rise of the governing network in international public policy, particularly in the UK, and explores the diffusion of network governance ideologies and the cultivation of governance networks globally. Using the evolution of New Labour as its paradigm case, it shows how ideas like reflexive modernisation influenced political thinking through network governance policies. This chapter also discusses the issue of the extent to which, in internalising and advocating influential academic ideas, governments are able to perform the ‘theory effect’, cultivating institutions and practices faithful to the concepts that inspire them. This chapter concludes that in contrast with ideologues in the theoretical and political domains, even sympathetic empirical researchers rarely offer unqualified support to the network governance project.
Jonathan S. Davies
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426154
- eISBN:
- 9781447301639
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426154.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Theory
This chapter begins with a brief discussion of the post-Marxist Gramscian tradition before exploring the orthodox Gramscian conception of hegemony, the integral state and passive revolution. In place ...
More
This chapter begins with a brief discussion of the post-Marxist Gramscian tradition before exploring the orthodox Gramscian conception of hegemony, the integral state and passive revolution. In place of the transformation thesis, it proposes that the videology of networks can be understood as a central facet of the neoliberal hegemonic project. It attributes the rise of the connectionist project to the confluence of four factors: the social, economic, and political crises of the late 1960s, the defeat of the social movements of 1968, the recuperation of parts of the left critique of capitalism by avant garde entrepreneurs and managers, and the rise of informational capitalism. Network governance ideology is one manifestation of this agenda. The chapter suggests that the neoliberal project may have succeeded to the extent that it fosters de-politicised governance networks and enrols new layers of civil society activists. The final part of this chapter considers the importance of connectionist ideology in the context of other hegemonic technologies upon which its credibility depends.Less
This chapter begins with a brief discussion of the post-Marxist Gramscian tradition before exploring the orthodox Gramscian conception of hegemony, the integral state and passive revolution. In place of the transformation thesis, it proposes that the videology of networks can be understood as a central facet of the neoliberal hegemonic project. It attributes the rise of the connectionist project to the confluence of four factors: the social, economic, and political crises of the late 1960s, the defeat of the social movements of 1968, the recuperation of parts of the left critique of capitalism by avant garde entrepreneurs and managers, and the rise of informational capitalism. Network governance ideology is one manifestation of this agenda. The chapter suggests that the neoliberal project may have succeeded to the extent that it fosters de-politicised governance networks and enrols new layers of civil society activists. The final part of this chapter considers the importance of connectionist ideology in the context of other hegemonic technologies upon which its credibility depends.
Bruce Kogut (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262017275
- eISBN:
- 9780262301572
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262017275.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Corporate Governance and Accountability
The financial crisis of 2008 laid bare the hidden network of relationships in corporate governance: who owes what to whom, who will stand by whom in times of crisis, what governs the provision of ...
More
The financial crisis of 2008 laid bare the hidden network of relationships in corporate governance: who owes what to whom, who will stand by whom in times of crisis, what governs the provision of credit when no one seems to have credit. This book maps the influence of these types of economic and social networks — communities of agents (people or firms) and the ties among them — on corporate behavior and governance. The studies in the book are largely concerned with mechanisms for the emergence of governance networks rather than with what determines the best outcomes. The chapters identify “structural breaks” — privatization, for example, or globalization — and assess why powerful actors across countries behaved similarly or differently in terms of network properties and corporate governance. They examine, among other topics, the surprisingly heterogeneous network structures that contradict the common belief in a single Anglo-Saxon model; the variation in network trajectories among the formerly communist countries including China; signs of convergence in response to the common structural breaks in Europe; the growing structural power of women due to gains in gender diversity on corporate governance in Scandinavia; the “small world” of merger and acquisition activity in Germany and the United States; the properties of a global and transnational governance network; and the application of agent-based models to understanding the emergence of governance.Less
The financial crisis of 2008 laid bare the hidden network of relationships in corporate governance: who owes what to whom, who will stand by whom in times of crisis, what governs the provision of credit when no one seems to have credit. This book maps the influence of these types of economic and social networks — communities of agents (people or firms) and the ties among them — on corporate behavior and governance. The studies in the book are largely concerned with mechanisms for the emergence of governance networks rather than with what determines the best outcomes. The chapters identify “structural breaks” — privatization, for example, or globalization — and assess why powerful actors across countries behaved similarly or differently in terms of network properties and corporate governance. They examine, among other topics, the surprisingly heterogeneous network structures that contradict the common belief in a single Anglo-Saxon model; the variation in network trajectories among the formerly communist countries including China; signs of convergence in response to the common structural breaks in Europe; the growing structural power of women due to gains in gender diversity on corporate governance in Scandinavia; the “small world” of merger and acquisition activity in Germany and the United States; the properties of a global and transnational governance network; and the application of agent-based models to understanding the emergence of governance.
Jonathan S. Davies
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426154
- eISBN:
- 9781447301639
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426154.003.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Theory
This introductory chapter discusses the concept of networks and how it is being used in a vast range of social phenomena. It continues by describing how networking has been adopted at every point of ...
More
This introductory chapter discusses the concept of networks and how it is being used in a vast range of social phenomena. It continues by describing how networking has been adopted at every point of the geopolitical scale as the way to conduct governance, intergovernmental relations, management, and relations between government and civil society. The chapter continues by providing discussions on the celebration of networking and how it is connected with theories of postmodernism and post-traditional views. It also presents the definition of ‘governance network’ and ‘network governance’. The bases of the arguments against network governance theory as the established orthodoxy, which are mainly from Marxist Gramscian tradition, are also presented in this chapter, including the main points of these arguments and the conclusions drawn as presented in the succeeding chapters.Less
This introductory chapter discusses the concept of networks and how it is being used in a vast range of social phenomena. It continues by describing how networking has been adopted at every point of the geopolitical scale as the way to conduct governance, intergovernmental relations, management, and relations between government and civil society. The chapter continues by providing discussions on the celebration of networking and how it is connected with theories of postmodernism and post-traditional views. It also presents the definition of ‘governance network’ and ‘network governance’. The bases of the arguments against network governance theory as the established orthodoxy, which are mainly from Marxist Gramscian tradition, are also presented in this chapter, including the main points of these arguments and the conclusions drawn as presented in the succeeding chapters.
Milton L. Mueller
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262014595
- eISBN:
- 9780262289665
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262014595.001.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Technology and Society
When the prevailing governing system divides the planet into mutually exclusive territorial monopolies of force, which institutions can govern the Internet, with its transnational scope, boundless ...
More
When the prevailing governing system divides the planet into mutually exclusive territorial monopolies of force, which institutions can govern the Internet, with its transnational scope, boundless scale, and distributed control? Given filtering/censorship by states and concerns over national cybersecurity, it is often assumed that the Internet will inevitably be subordinated to the traditional system of nation-states. This book counters this view, showing how Internet governance poses novel and fascinating governance issues that give rise to global politics and new transnational institutions. Drawing on the theories of networked governance, it provides a broad overview of Internet governance from the formation of ICANN to the clash at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), the formation of the Internet Governance Forum, the global assault on peer-to-peer file sharing, and the rise of national-level Internet control and security concerns. Internet governance has become a source of conflict in international relations. This book explores the role that emerging transnational institutions could play in fostering the global governance of the communication-information policy.Less
When the prevailing governing system divides the planet into mutually exclusive territorial monopolies of force, which institutions can govern the Internet, with its transnational scope, boundless scale, and distributed control? Given filtering/censorship by states and concerns over national cybersecurity, it is often assumed that the Internet will inevitably be subordinated to the traditional system of nation-states. This book counters this view, showing how Internet governance poses novel and fascinating governance issues that give rise to global politics and new transnational institutions. Drawing on the theories of networked governance, it provides a broad overview of Internet governance from the formation of ICANN to the clash at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), the formation of the Internet Governance Forum, the global assault on peer-to-peer file sharing, and the rise of national-level Internet control and security concerns. Internet governance has become a source of conflict in international relations. This book explores the role that emerging transnational institutions could play in fostering the global governance of the communication-information policy.
Milton L. Mueller
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262014595
- eISBN:
- 9780262289665
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262014595.003.0003
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Technology and Society
This chapter emphasizes the concepts of network organization and network governance, and also states that these topics have evolved from social and political sciences. It shows that the network is a ...
More
This chapter emphasizes the concepts of network organization and network governance, and also states that these topics have evolved from social and political sciences. It shows that the network is a form of governance and explores the usage of networks in the analysis of international institutional change. The chapter further discusses network analysis, political networks, network institutionalization, peer-to-peer concepts, transgovernmental networks, and various other perspectives on network concepts playing a major role in understanding the governance of the global Internet. The concluding part of the chapter discusses the transnational policy networks’ concern with Internet governance and the clustering of political actors.Less
This chapter emphasizes the concepts of network organization and network governance, and also states that these topics have evolved from social and political sciences. It shows that the network is a form of governance and explores the usage of networks in the analysis of international institutional change. The chapter further discusses network analysis, political networks, network institutionalization, peer-to-peer concepts, transgovernmental networks, and various other perspectives on network concepts playing a major role in understanding the governance of the global Internet. The concluding part of the chapter discusses the transnational policy networks’ concern with Internet governance and the clustering of political actors.
Ewan Ferlie, Louise Fitzgerald, Gerry McGivern, Sue Dopson, and Chris Bennett
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199603015
- eISBN:
- 9780191752995
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199603015.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Public Management
This book characterizes the nature of key reforms—namely managed networks—introduced in the UK National Health Service during the New Labour period (1997–2010). It combines rich empirical case ...
More
This book characterizes the nature of key reforms—namely managed networks—introduced in the UK National Health Service during the New Labour period (1997–2010). It combines rich empirical case material of eight such networks drawn from different health policy arenas with a theoretically informed analysis. It makes three main contributions. First, it argues that New Labour’s reforms included an important network element consistent with underlying network governance ideas, complementing the interpretation of other authors who have stressed either choice and markets or the continuation of NPM. It contributes to the wider NPM/post NPM debate by suggesting conditions of sedimentation. It specifies conditions of ‘success’ for these managed networks and explores how much progress was empirically evident. Second, the concept of ‘wicked problems’ is used to conceptualize many of the complex health policy arenas studied. It argues that networks are the least bad governance mode to tackle such wicked problems. Wicked problems conditions may become even more important in the future. It offers a qualified defence of network forms and caution against a whole-scale tilt to marketization in ‘wicked problem’ arenas. Third, it brings in a governmentality perspective to retheorize some of the novel organizational processes which do not fit either professional dominance or NPM models. A number of long-run policy developments under New Labour (such as clinical governance, EBM guidelines, energized clinical and managerial hybrids, patient safety regimes) appear consistent with this governmentality perspective.Less
This book characterizes the nature of key reforms—namely managed networks—introduced in the UK National Health Service during the New Labour period (1997–2010). It combines rich empirical case material of eight such networks drawn from different health policy arenas with a theoretically informed analysis. It makes three main contributions. First, it argues that New Labour’s reforms included an important network element consistent with underlying network governance ideas, complementing the interpretation of other authors who have stressed either choice and markets or the continuation of NPM. It contributes to the wider NPM/post NPM debate by suggesting conditions of sedimentation. It specifies conditions of ‘success’ for these managed networks and explores how much progress was empirically evident. Second, the concept of ‘wicked problems’ is used to conceptualize many of the complex health policy arenas studied. It argues that networks are the least bad governance mode to tackle such wicked problems. Wicked problems conditions may become even more important in the future. It offers a qualified defence of network forms and caution against a whole-scale tilt to marketization in ‘wicked problem’ arenas. Third, it brings in a governmentality perspective to retheorize some of the novel organizational processes which do not fit either professional dominance or NPM models. A number of long-run policy developments under New Labour (such as clinical governance, EBM guidelines, energized clinical and managerial hybrids, patient safety regimes) appear consistent with this governmentality perspective.
Chris Ansell and Jacob Torfing
Chris Ansell and Jacob Torfing (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447340553
- eISBN:
- 9781447340591
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447340553.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This book investigates the challenges posed by the scale and scaling of network and collaborative forms of governance. Our original motivation arose from a concern about whether collaborative ...
More
This book investigates the challenges posed by the scale and scaling of network and collaborative forms of governance. Our original motivation arose from a concern about whether collaborative governance can scale up. As we learned more, our inquiry expanded to include the tensions inherent in collaboration across scales or at multiple scales and the issue of dynamically scaling collaboration to adapt to changing problems and demands. The diverse cases in this special issue explore these challenges in a range of concrete empirical domains than span the globe.Less
This book investigates the challenges posed by the scale and scaling of network and collaborative forms of governance. Our original motivation arose from a concern about whether collaborative governance can scale up. As we learned more, our inquiry expanded to include the tensions inherent in collaboration across scales or at multiple scales and the issue of dynamically scaling collaboration to adapt to changing problems and demands. The diverse cases in this special issue explore these challenges in a range of concrete empirical domains than span the globe.
Gerald F. Davis, Gordon Walker, and Bruce Kogut
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262017275
- eISBN:
- 9780262301572
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262017275.003.0170
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Corporate Governance and Accountability
This chapter examines the changes in governance networks, small-world characteristics, and corporate acquisitions in Germany and the U.S. during the period from 2000 to 2005. It analyzes how the ...
More
This chapter examines the changes in governance networks, small-world characteristics, and corporate acquisitions in Germany and the U.S. during the period from 2000 to 2005. It analyzes how the properties of the governance networks influence firms’ propensity to make acquisitions and evaluates the effect of the ownership networks on every announced acquisition by the largest several hundred firms in each economy. The findings reveal commonalities in the influence of network properties and in acquisition behavior even across otherwise seemingly divergent national systems of governance.Less
This chapter examines the changes in governance networks, small-world characteristics, and corporate acquisitions in Germany and the U.S. during the period from 2000 to 2005. It analyzes how the properties of the governance networks influence firms’ propensity to make acquisitions and evaluates the effect of the ownership networks on every announced acquisition by the largest several hundred firms in each economy. The findings reveal commonalities in the influence of network properties and in acquisition behavior even across otherwise seemingly divergent national systems of governance.
Ewan Ferlie, Louise FitzGerald, Gerry McGivern, Sue Dopson, and Chris Bennett
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199603015
- eISBN:
- 9780191752995
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199603015.003.0002
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Public Management
This chapter reviews the broad literature on public services and health policy reforming over the last thirty years and the particular contribution of New Labour in the UK NHS. It starts by reprising ...
More
This chapter reviews the broad literature on public services and health policy reforming over the last thirty years and the particular contribution of New Labour in the UK NHS. It starts by reprising two well known models: professional dominance and the NPM. It then asks: did New Labour achieve a break from either of these well established models? It draws in basic ideas of network governance which at least in theory did offer an alternative reform narrative to the NPM. It then offers an analytic history of health policy reforms during the New Labour period which presents a mixed picture. Review of New Labour health policy found a cluster of strands (clinical governance; patient safety; Evidence-Based Medicine and Policy; managed networks in arenas covered by evidence-based NSF) which all displayed novel and distinctive conditions of ‘decentralised centralisation’ and of surveillance, self-surveillance and high levels of managerial commitment.Less
This chapter reviews the broad literature on public services and health policy reforming over the last thirty years and the particular contribution of New Labour in the UK NHS. It starts by reprising two well known models: professional dominance and the NPM. It then asks: did New Labour achieve a break from either of these well established models? It draws in basic ideas of network governance which at least in theory did offer an alternative reform narrative to the NPM. It then offers an analytic history of health policy reforms during the New Labour period which presents a mixed picture. Review of New Labour health policy found a cluster of strands (clinical governance; patient safety; Evidence-Based Medicine and Policy; managed networks in arenas covered by evidence-based NSF) which all displayed novel and distinctive conditions of ‘decentralised centralisation’ and of surveillance, self-surveillance and high levels of managerial commitment.
