Governance Networks in Public Administration and Public Policy

Preface 

Introduction

1. The Emergence of Governance Networks: Historical Context, Contemporary Trends, and Considerations

2. Defining the Governance Network

3. The Actors within Governance Networks

4. The Ties between Actors

5. Network Level Functions

6. Network Level Structures

7. Governance Networks as Complex Adaptive Systems

8. How Are Governance Networks Managed?

9. The Hybridized Accountability Regimes of Governance Networks

10. Governance Network Performance Management and Measurement

11. Meso Level Theories for Governance Network Analysis

12. Governance Networks Analysis: Implications for Practice, Education, and Research

13. Postscript: The Case for Stronger Democratic Anchorage in Governance Networks

Biography

Christopher Koliba is Professor of Public Administration and Director of the Master of Public Administration Program at the University of Vermont, USA.

Jack W. Meek is Professor of Public Administration and Director of the Center for Research, College of Business and Public Management at the University of La Verne, USA.

Asim Zia is Professor of Public Policy and Decision Analysis at the University of Vermont, USA.

Russell W. Mills is Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Regional Development at Bowling Green State University, USA.

"We live in challenging times where rapid advancements in governance theories and methods match with an acute understanding that many policies and politics are falling short of delivering the things society needs in order to improve. This book brings together ideas from different strands, such as social network analysis and systems theories, to present a coherent understanding of the complexity of governing today’s society. Highly recommended to scientists and practitioners who wish to stay on top of their game." – Lasse Gerrits, Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg, Germany

 

"In articulating the values that underlie the search for democratic governance, and explaining the processes of communication, coordination, and coherence that generate networks as instruments of collective action, the authors make a lasting contribution to the field of public administration and policy. At a time when democratic values and principles have come under attack in the public discourse, this book is a clear explanation of governance as a complex, dynamic process and an affirmation of the capacity of citizens to create viable instruments of public policy and practice." – Louise Comfort, University of Pittsburgh, USA

 

"A masterful and comprehensive overview of interorganizational governance and related approaches as complex adaptive systems and both stable and changing entities that are democratically anchored. This volume also approaches network administration as exchange/adjustment related steering and promotion and cooperative strategic and mutual adjustments based on knowledge development." – Robert Agranoff, Indiana University, USA