Network Governance in Action: Functions and Practices to Foster Collaborative Environments

Abstract

Collaborative networks attract the attention of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers as an alternative to solve complex problems. However, there are gaps regarding the day-to-day activities network leaders perform to foster collaborative environments. We propose a research framework for the micro-governance of collaborative networks by analyzing how contextual factors influence the use of governance functions and practices. Our study contributes to the nascent theory of network governance by proposing relationships among contextual factors, functions, and practices. We also offer insights for practitioners and policymakers who want to improve the effectiveness of collaborative networks composed of public and private members.

What Drives Network Governance? A Microstructural Approach

“…These complementary perspectives on networks as an arrangement that requires governance to function allow this study to go further and analyze the microstructures of network governance, as a direction to portray a better image of how network governance works as a design to solve network problems. Considering network governance, based on the literature, Wegner and Verschoore (2021) propose that network governance carries out some functions in the search to align different perceptions and towards the best way to reach the network goals. The six functions are better introduced in Table 1.…”

“…The micro governance functions are performed in the chase for a collaborative environment among network members, not necessarily assuring the reaching of the network goals, but directing the activities to align with the network goals (Wegner & Verschoore, 2021). The authors' theory suggests that to evaluate how effective are the functions held by the networks it is necessary to consider the results achieved.…”

“…In the attempt to tackle this lack, some studies about network governance (Provan & Kenis, 2008;Ansell & Gash, 2008) suggest insights, however, they still lack in refinement to understand the practical functions of governance, the activities daily carried on by in the network, pursuing to reach the common goals. So, searching to refine network governance strategies, Wegner and Verschoore (2021) propose six micro governance functions which may be essential to collaboration networks leadership, those functions affect daily activities, offering network governance support. The micro governance functions are alignment, mobilizing, organizing, integrating, arbitrating, and monitoring (Wegner & Verschoore, 2021).…”

“…So, searching to refine network governance strategies, Wegner and Verschoore (2021) propose six micro governance functions which may be essential to collaboration networks leadership, those functions affect daily activities, offering network governance support. The micro governance functions are alignment, mobilizing, organizing, integrating, arbitrating, and monitoring (Wegner & Verschoore, 2021).…”

“…Meaning that to understand any structure, even the biggest of them, looking at the same small subgroups that a small organization can be divided works just as well. It goes into the similar direction as Sorensen and Torfing (2021), to consider downstream problems when it comes to collaborative governance processes, as it is a different and current point of view, less explored and prone to indicate new approaches, such as the one proposed by Wegner and Verschoore's (2021) framework.…”