Hudson, J., Lowe, S., Oscroft, N. et al. (1 more author) (2007) A case study of local environmental policy-making in the United Kingdom. Policy Studies - Routledge, 28 (1). pp. 55-70. ISSN 0144-2872
Abstract
The contention posed by Rod Rhodes that policy is made and delivered by autonomous and self-organising policy networks is at the heart of many contemporary debates about the nature of policy and politics. However, while the concept has commanded considerable attention from policy theorists, case studies of how policy networks operate on the ground remain relatively rare. Further still, much of the empirical work has centred on testing relatively abstract claims about the nature of networks rather than thinking through their practical implications for governance. Here, we contrast the approaches taken by two English local authorities in seeking more participatory approaches to environmental policy-making. Building on the work of Kickert et al., we argue that - far from being self-organising - the form of policy networks can be strongly directed by the state through network activation strategies and, indeed, that strong state management of networks is required if policy-making is to proceed in a more inclusive manner. Indeed, we argue that when policy-making is viewed from a network governance perspective the most effective routes to participatory policy-making may rely heavily on manipulation strategies despite the fact that these are frequently described as weaker (or lower) forms of participation. This apparent compromise of participatory objectives may be required to ensure effective policy development.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Social Sciences (York) > Social Policy and Social Work (York) The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Stockholm Environment Institute at York (York) |
Depositing User: | York RAE Import |
Date Deposited: | 20 Feb 2009 16:17 |
Last Modified: | 20 Feb 2009 16:17 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01442870601121478 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1080/01442870601121478 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:7310 |