A (meta)governance framework for multi-level governance of inter-organizational project networks

Abstract

Little is known about the governance of inter-organizational networks for projects. This study empirically develops a theoretical framework for this, using twenty-eight project networks as case studies, applying 124 interviews in ten countries. The abductively developed threelayered governance framework has the individual network for a project at its lowest layer, explained through Multi-level Governance Theory. This is steered by a layer for the governance of networks, addressing the steering of the different networks these organizations are part of. At the top is metagovernance, where the ground rules are set by governments or investors. For each layer, the governance dimensions, as well as the enablers and disablers between layers, are defined The study's resulting theory provides an overall understanding of the governance of multiple networks for projects and provides practitioners with the parameters to optimize their networks for better project results.

Book review: Research handbook on the governance of projects

“…Chapter 30, by Ralf Müller, helps explain how attempts to form networks of organisations, for a range of purposes, may or not effectively function. It draws upon extensive research undertaken recently by Müller et al , (2022) and Jessop (2021). In general, this chapter introduces new thinking in governance and cites relevant and useful references.…”

Large interorganizational projects (LIPs): Toward an integrative perspective and research agenda on interorganizational governance

“…The PM literature tends to use the concept of governance as an umbrella category to describe how relationships among parties in LIPs are arranged and organized (e.g., Denicol et al, 2020), often focusing on practical concerns such as strategy, control, and performance systems (e.g., Bourne et al, 2023). Some PM scholars have, however, started to recognize that there is a need to advance our theoretical understanding of interorganizational project governance (e.g., Müller et al, 2023). As a case in point, the successful set‐up and execution of LIPs depend on multiple organizations collaborating over a defined time‐period (Roehrich et al, 2023; Roehrich & Lewis, 2014).…”

“…LIPs face significant governance challenges requiring contractual and relational governance and forms of collaboration among multiple organizations with often disparate goals, diverging interests, and varying levels of capabilities and resources (Roehrich & Lewis, 2014; Zheng et al, 2008). Research in PM, and related disciplines, has identified the challenges involved in organizing and managing LIPs in different environments (e.g., Davies et al, 2023; Shenhar & Dvir, 2007), and is beginning to address interorganizational project governance (e.g., Müller et al, 2023). Drawing upon a variety of theoretical perspectives on the governance of projects, programs, and project‐based organizations (Müller et al, 2023), however, PM research on the governance of projects has, with a few exceptions (e.g., Levitt et al, 2019), neglected to consider how key concepts of collaboration (e.g., Gulati et al, 2012), relational and contractual governance (Bercovitz & Tyler, 2014; Poppo & Zenger, 2002; Roehrich & Lewis, 2014), and coopetition (Bengtsson & Kock, 2000) apply to LIPs.…”

Measurement, Subsystem Coupling Coordination, and Spatial Convergence of the modernization of Chinese-style Governance Capability

“…Moreover, the development of governance theory has given rise to various schools of thought such as network governance, meta-governance, and collaborative governance. Scholars like Cui et al (2020) [27] , Müller et al (2022) [28] , and Unterhitzenberger et al (2023) [29] have conducted extensive research on these topics.…”

“…In equation (28), Lag represents the spatial lag value, n is the number of provinces, Xi represents the governance modernization measurement level of province i, Wij is the spatial weight matrix, and the construction of the weight matrix is the same as in the previous description of the Moran's Index weight matrix.…”