The pitfalls associated with more intensive engagement in collaborative forums: The role of behavioral spillovers and cognitive load

Jack Mewhirter,Danielle M Mclaughlin

doi:10.30636/jbpa.41.166

Jack Mewhirter, Danielle M Mclaughlin

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.30636/jbpa.41.166

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Abstract

Polycentric governance systems feature numerous decision-making venues (“forums”) where policy actors repeatedly interact to address a subset of policy problems. Previous studies find that forums where actors dedicate greater time and cognitive resources tend to be perceived as more effective. Drawing on behavioral game theory and the Ecology of Games, we argue that the improvements afforded to any one forum vis-à-vis more intensive participation may come at a cost: lower levels of perceived effectiveness in linked forums. We use survey data collected in the Tampa Bay (FL) and California Delta (CA) water governance systems to examine our contention. Using a series of spatial Durbin models, we find that perceived effectiveness of a given forum is directly impacted by the intensiveness by which actors participate in that forum (positive association). However, there are also behavioral spillovers: the intensity with which actors participate in other forums in the system has indirect negative consequences for perceived forum effectiveness.

Highlights

Polycentric governance systems feature numerous decision-making venues (“forums”) where policy actors repeatedly interact to address a subset of policy problems
Drawing from behavioral game theory (Bednar, Chen, Xiao, & Page, 2012; Bednar & Page, 2007) and Ecology of Games (Berardo & Lubell, 2019) literatures, we argue that more intensive participation in any given forum may simultaneously drain resources that actors can dedicate to the other forums in which they participate
We examine the validity of our argument using survey data collected from forum participants in the Tampa Bay and California Delta water governance systems

Summary

Introduction

Forums prosper when actors buy in and perceive that forum participation is an effective use of their limited resources (Emerson & Nabatchi, 2015; Smaldino & Lubell, 2011). Results from a series of spatial Durbin models confirm the conventional argument that forums where actors exhibit more intensive participation tend to be perceived as more effective.

Results

Conclusion