An introduction to the concept of network governance; Desires and Challenges

Document Type : علمی - پژوهشی

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Abstract

"Network governance" has been used both as a metaphor to describe the growth of complex issues, the increasing segregation of society and a bridge across sectoral boundaries, and as a response by policymakers to the dynamics of interactions in a changed policy environment. This study intends to examine the concept of network governance and its functions, to express its advantages and desirability as an analytical approach to describe and explain public policies and government performance. To this end, while introducing three general and classical forms of governance, namely hierarchy, market and network; The characteristics of each are listed and finally the desirability of the shape of governance networks is expressed. The network governance framework recognizes that public policy is no longer formulated solely by the government but is a network of connections between various actors such as politicians, bureaucrats, private companies, pressure groups and citizens. Of course, network governance faces challenges such as good network management, democracy, accountability, and communication regulation. This study introduces frameworks such as supra-governance and combined strategies of leadership and self-regulation, and introduces solutions to address these challenges.

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