Adaptive Governance Research Articles

Innovation and deadlock in governing disasters and climate change collaboratively - Lessons from the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia

Both scholars and global policy point to the need for, and effectiveness of, locally-led and collaborative disaster and climate change practices. However, there is a need for analysing how these collaborative approaches are developed and used in practice in different contexts. This paper outlines the use of collaborative approaches by a climate change and disaster community of practice across seven local government areas in the Northern Rivers region, New South Wales, Australia. The region has experienced multiple large-scale flood and bushfire disasters since 2017. This ethnographic study uses established collaborative governance and adaptive governance theoretical frameworks to draw findings from: lived experiences of researchers, 22 interviews with diverse stakeholder groups, in-person and online events and the first author's research diary. The findings indicate that collaborative practice in response to disasters and climate change has resulted in both effective outcomes and multi-dimensional challenges, which have lasting implications for communities across the Northern Rivers region. Three critical leverage points for enhanced collaboration and effectiveness were identified. First, improved use and flow of information such as climate projections and place- and needs-based information. Second, mindset shifts that value community knowledge and contributions, and improved practice through enhancing skills in community development and community-led recovery in disaster and climate change practitioners. Lastly, collectively moving from reactive to proactive responses to climate change and disasters. These insights provide an opportunity for improving the design of community-based risk reduction programs and multi-stakeholder governance arrangements into the future, in the state of New South Wales and beyond.

Exploration of Emerging Trends and Paradigms in Leadership and Governance Research and Practice in Thailand

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the exploration of emerging trends and paradigms in leadership and governance research and practice
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Emerging trends in Thai leadership and governance highlight a shift towards inclusive decision-making, ethical frameworks, and digital engagement. Sustainability and environmental stewardship are gaining importance, reflecting global concerns. This dynamic landscape blends traditional values with evolving practices.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Transformational leadership theory, complexity leadership theory & adaptive governance theory may be used to anchor future studies on the exploration of emerging trends and paradigms in leadership and governance research and practice. Implementing leadership development programs based on evidence-based practices and theories of effective leadership Developing policies to enhance transparency and accountability in government institutions, such as open data initiatives or whistleblower protection laws.

Place-Based Adaptation through Network Governance

Following the inception of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) within the UNFCCC in 1992, national CCA plans began to emerge around 2008. However, identifying successful cases of adaptation remains challenging. This is because CCA policies often stop at planning, with selective reporting of relevant projects. Recognizing that planning is not the same as actual delivery, substantial gaps persist in connecting these plans to concrete actions, hindering successful adaptation. This paper explores this implementation deficit through the examination of three different governance modes (hierarchies, markets, and networks). Drawing on a policy review (desk study), a qualitative online survey, and semi-structured interviews with professionals engaged in local CCA policies, we identified enablers of effective adaptation policy progress by comparing the Edinburgh and Glasgow city regions. Despite their close spatial and relational proximity, these two city regions have distinct administrative geographies, political leadership, and adaptation-related networks, which identify unique local contexts sufficient to drive different CCA progress. We noted more CCA progress when specific resources included coordinators (dedicated staff) and fiscal supplements, along with regional networks connecting local communities and strengthening partnerships while sharing common values such as reputational opportunities in the Glasgow city region. These findings shed light on effective adaptation governance modes that require not only a deep understanding of place-based contexts but also the presence or nurturing of broader and reinforced networks.

Innovative approaches to risk management in the field of public administration in Ukraine: prospects and limitations

Innovative approaches to risk management in the field of public administration in Ukraine: prospects and limitations

Agile Governance, Digital Transformation, and Citizen Satisfaction Moderated by Political Stability in Indonesia’s Socio-Political Landscape

During contemporary political disruptions, this study comprehensively examines transformative dynamics in public administration in Indonesia. We delve into the complex interplay of agile governance, a responsive and adaptive governance model navigating political uncertainties, and the transformative forces of digital transformation, orchestrating a symphony of technological advancements reshaping the very fabric of governance. Furthermore, the study investigates inclusive decision-making, elucidating the collaborative engagement between citizens and policymakers in shaping governance strategies. The research then centers on the culmination of these dynamics, emphasizing citizen satisfaction as a pivotal metric for assessing the success of governance initiatives. Operating as a moderator, political stability guides the overall effectiveness of governance practices. Following a stratified sampling technique, data were collected from 490 followers of Indonesian public sector social networking sites from July 2023 to November 2023. The findings reveal that agile governance, digital transformation, and inclusive decision-making positively contribute to citizen satisfaction with public services, with political stability moderating these relationships, providing empirical insights into the dynamics of contemporary public administration. The scholarly significance lies in providing empirical insights into the specific context of Indonesia, contributing to the broader discourse on effective governance strategies in the face of political disruptions.

Auditing during COVID-19: Evidence from Ghana and Norway

ABSTRACT This study investigates how auditing changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in two countries, Norway and Ghana. The two countries reflect different levels of digital infrastructure and of government support. We interviewed 23 audit partners and managers during the pandemic (February 2020 to May 2023). The analysis of the responses using the theory of adaptive governance reveals three key findings related to audit adaptation during the 39 months of the pandemic. First, we find an increase in auditors’ and clients’ willingness to work digitally. In Ghana, the digitalization may be done by scanning documents and uploading them to a shared drive or by using a Shared Service Center (SSC). Second, we find an increase in audit fees over time as inflation increased during the pandemic. Finally, as the pandemic progressed, a shortage of audit staff became a major concern in both countries as auditors left the profession for other jobs. Data Availability: Data are available from the authors upon request. JEL Classifications: M42.

Adapting Hydropower to European Union Water Law: Flexible Governance versus Legal Effectiveness in Sweden and Finland

AbstractIn both Sweden and Finland, water law has traditionally provided strong protection for hydropower operations by issuing permanent environmental licences. This national protection has started to erode as a result of the requirement of the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD) for permit reviews to improve the ecological status of rivers. In the light of this dynamic between European and national frameworks, this article compares the Swedish and Finnish implementation of the WFD regarding existing hydropower operations. Whereas Sweden has adopted comprehensive legislative and policy reforms that embrace a systemic perspective on reconciling hydropower with the current societal and ecological circumstances, Finland has relied on bottom-up collaborative processes at the grassroots level. The article shows that both approaches are problematic in so far as they push the boundaries of proper implementation of the WFD and, by extension, the achievement of the ecological objectives of the WFD in waters affected by hydropower. Our comparison highlights tensions between EU law requirements for formal legal effectiveness in national implementation, and the WFD's aspirations for adaptive river basin-based governance.

Interrelated transformative process dynamics in the face of resource nexus challenges: an invitation towards cross case analysis

ABSTRACT The need for more attention to the social and human dimensions in global change sciences and natural resources management requires in-depth understandings of transformative approaches and processes. More inclusive and systemic approaches are needed that embrace complexity and support transformative learning, shifts in power relations, collective and relational agency and structural transformations for adaptive and innovative governance. Scientific understanding of how such change can be brought about is still limited. In this paper, which sets the scene for this Special Issue, we develop a conceptual framework for analyzing transformative processes across a range of diverse cases. Aspects of the conceptual framework are applied, tested and elaborated in three following papers in the Special Issue, deepening understanding of how transformative change in complex social-ecological systems may originate at nexus boundary zones such as that portrayed by the water-food-energy nexus. Specifically, the paper conceptually elaborates four iteratively related dynamics of transformative learning, transforming power relations, transformative agency and transforming structures which intersect in transformation processes. The perspectives offer tools for cross case analysis in the longer term, but also tools for supporting co-engaged, generative research processes.

Analysing cutback management strategies amidst the Covid 19 pandemic: Insights from Pennsylvania municipalities

IMPACT This study examines cutback strategies of Pennsylvania’s local governments during the Covid 19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of pandemic risk perceptions and managerial efficacy beliefs in shaping these strategies. It was found that heightened risk perception decreased the likelihood of expenditure cuts, while a strong belief in a jurisdiction's crisis preparedness often resulted in such cuts to manage budget shortfalls. Revenue enhancement strategies were preferred by governments engaging communities in response efforts. The study also underscores the efficacy of professional governments, particularly council–manager led ones, in implementing productivity gains over expenditure reductions. Although based in the USA, the findings offer global insights for managing resources during health crises, enhancing societal resilience, and providing a model for adaptable governance across diverse fiscal and socio-political contexts.

Assessing production-living-ecological spaces and its urban-rural gradients in Xiangyang City, China: insights from land-use function symbiosis.

Understanding the formation process and pattern of production-living-ecological spaces (PLES) is crucial for sustainable land-use management and adaptive city governance. However, previous studies have neglected the symbiotic relationships between land-use functions (LUFs) in identifying and optimizing PLES. To address this gap, this paper proposes a technical framework for assessing PLES from a LUF symbiosis perspective. A case study was conducted in Xiangyang City, China, to identify PLES and analyze its urban-rural differentiation using the symbiosis degree model and landscape pattern indices. Our findings revealed that the symbiotic relationships between LUFs varied. There were 25 combination types of PLES in Xiangyang City, with significantly varied area proportions and spatial distribution. The landscape types and fragmentation of PLES increased along with the gradient change from the old urban area to the rural area. Furthermore, we proposed a PLES optimization strategy involving LUFs symbiosis and the urban-rural gradient. Our study enriches the dimensions of PLES assessment and supports better-coordinated planning and the protection of PLES.

Agricultural water accounting: Complementing a governance monitoring schema with remote sensing calculations at different scales

Water use requires monitoring and quantification at different spatial scales to enhance water security, especially in regions facing water scarcity and threats to food security. Consequently, water metering has been implemented in various countries as part of water governance frameworks. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of a water metering network within the Chilean water governance system, which is based on the commoditisation of water through water rights. Additionally, it assesses the potential of supplementing the water metering network with remote sensing-based estimates of actual evapotranspiration (AET) and discusses the need to integrate these estimates into an appropriate water governance scheme. To conduct this study, publicly available water use reports were obtained from the Water Resources Directorate and subsequently processed to eliminate anomalies in the withdrawal time series. Water withdrawal data was supplemented with information on granted water rights to provide additional insights and contrast water allocations with actual withdrawals. AET estimates from the Mapping EvapoTranspiration at high Resolution with Internalised Calibration (METRIC) model using Landsat scenes were also acquired for the period from 2019 to 2022 to compare withdrawals and water demand in the agricultural sector. It was found that only a small fraction of water rights ( ∼ 2%) is currently being metered. Actual reported withdrawals, on average, amount to approximately one fifth to one fourth of the volumes granted through water rights. However, water extractions vary depending on geographical locations and usage categories. Remote sensing-based AET demonstrates a good correlation with withdrawals, suggesting its potential in auditing water withdrawal records provided by water users and calculating water availability and withdrawals at aggregated scales within an adaptive water governance framework. While different applications were explored within the Chilean context, these have a broader application in global water governance, particularly in regions experiencing similar challenges in water resource management.

Fostering Community-Led Waste Management Through Dynamic Governance: A Case Study of Batam City

Effective city solid waste management has become a critical issue for communities globally due to the rapid pace of urbanization and increasing environmental concerns. The convergence of economic development and environmental preservation in Batam City, Indonesia, has underscored the necessity for inventive waste management approaches. This study examines the impact of dynamic governance and community empowerment in addressing the intricate waste issue in Batam City. The research uses a qualitative approach to investigate the underlying reasons for waste management difficulties. It investigates how adaptive governance might improve stakeholder cooperation and decision-making based on facts. Effective policy implementation relies on public interaction, yet meaningful participation remains difficult. Prior research suggests that individuals are more inclined to engage in matters that directly impact them, and ambiguous implementation protocols and a lack of confidence in political establishments frequently hinder community engagement in environmental policy. The waste management techniques in Batam City are conventional and inefficient due to limited government resources, highlighting the necessity for a more comprehensive strategy. The study's results indicate that implementing dynamic governance, which involves the flexibility to adapt and collaborate with stakeholders, can enhance waste management procedures. In addition, applying social capital theory can facilitate community empowerment, leading to a heightened sense of ownership and active engagement in waste management initiatives. Communities can enhance the effectiveness and durability of waste management systems by utilizing social networks, trust, and shared standards. This study emphasizes the significance of integrating inventive governance approaches with community-led efforts to tackle urban trash issues and advance sustainable development in Batam City.

Organisational perceptions of adapting to a changing climate

Organisations, in the private, public and third sectors, are critical stakeholders and actors in the governance of climate change adaptation. Understanding organisational perceptions of preparedness, risk and response to climate change is important for effective climate adaptation-focused actions and policy design. Our study focuses on two research questions: what factors influence adaptation actions by organisations?, and what do organisations mean by the term ‘adaptation’? To address these, we developed and analysed a national survey of UK-based organisations’ perceptions of adapting to a changing climate, administered in spring 2021 (n = 2,429). Our findings confirm that awareness matters: respondents who reported that their organisation had high levels of concern about climate change risk or threat, and which had greater integration of adaptation within processes, are more likely to take adaptation action. In addition, we find a positive relationship between the occurrence and type of extreme event experienced and increased adaptation action by organisations. However, when asked about specific adaptation measures taken by organisations, examples of mitigation are more frequently mentioned compared to adaptation-type actions. Whether this may signal confusion or conflation of adaptation and mitigation by organisations requires further study. These findings offer critical insights into the perceptions of organisations as pivotal leaders of enacting responses to climate change. A renewed focus on organisational experiences, awareness, attitudes and capacity regarding adaptation can assist in better understanding how organisations can facilitate improved climate-resilient decision-making.

The role of accountability in the emergence of adaptive water governance

The role of accountability in the emergence of adaptive water governance

Risk mapping for better governance in biobanking: the case of biobank.cy.

Introduction: Risk governance is central for the successful and ethical operation of biobanks and the continued social license for being custodians of samples and data. Risks in biobanking are often framed as risks for participants, whereas the biobank's risks are often considered as technical ones. Risk governance relies on identifying, assessing, mitigating and communicating all risks based on technical and standardized procedures. However, within such processes, biobank staff are often involved tangentially. In this study, the aim has been to conduct a risk mapping exercise bringing biobank staff as key actors into the process, making better sense of emerging structure of biobanks. Methods: Based on the qualitative research method of situational analysis as well as the card-based discussion and stakeholder engagement processes, risk mapping was conducted at the biobank setting as an interactive engagement exercise. The analyzed material comprises mainly of moderated group discussions. Results: The findings from the risk mapping activity are framed through an organismic metaphor: the biobank as a growing, living organism in a changing environment, where trust and sustainability are cross-cutting elements in making sense of the risks. Focusing on the situatedness of the dynamics within biobanking activity highlights the importance of prioritizing relations at the core of risk governance and promoting ethicality in the biobanking process by expanding the repertoire of considered risks. Conclusion: With the organismic metaphor, the research brings the diverse group of biobank staff to the central stage for risk governance, highlighting how accounting for such diversity and interdependencies at the biobank setting is a prerequisite for an adaptive risk governance.

Networking in action: Taking collaborative capacity development seriously for disaster risk management

This study investigates the role of multi-stakeholder networks in disaster risk management (DRM) capacity development and how it aligns with the principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. While the Framework emphasises collaboration, coordination, and partnerships among diverse stakeholders, there remains a gap in understanding how networks foster and sustain collaborative DRM capacity in the context of international development projects. Employing a mixed-method case study approach, this research examines the networking strategies of a Swedish international development project, exploring capacity development outcomes at different levels and early signs of sustainability in three informal networks in Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines. The study focusses on the period one year after the cessation of formal external support. By applying an integrated complex adaptive systems and network governance lens, this study offers a nuanced understanding of the dynamic interplay between various stakeholders and systemic factors influencing network effectiveness to foster and sustain collaborative DRM capacity. The findings enhance our knowledge of informal multi-stakeholder networks in DRM and offer practical insights for optimising institutional designs and networking strategies within and beyond international development projects. The research underscores the importance of scalability, adaptability, and holistic approaches in fostering and sustainable collaborative DRM capacity development. Implications for implementing the Sendai Framework are also discussed.

Navigating systemic risks: governance of and for systemic risks

Abstract Non-technical summary Systemic risks such as climate change and pandemics are complex and interconnected. Managing such risks requires effective organisational structures and processes. This publication presents conceptually robust, evidence-based approaches for assessing and managing systemic risks. Technical summary Systemic risks originate and evolve in the nexus of tightly coupled dynamic systems, which are a characteristic of modern societies in the Anthropocene. Systemic risk implies the breakdown of a system which provides essential functions to society. Connectivity between systems is a key enabler for systemic risk to manifest through cascading effects. Thus, systemic risks originate and evolve in the nexus of tightly coupled dynamic systems. Cascading effects and the convergence of systemic risks with conventional risks as well as other systemic risks challenge the established modes of risk governance that still rest to a large extent on differentiation and compartmentalisation. Thus, governance of systemic risks requires an integrative approach towards risk governance that combines interdisciplinary risk analysis with iterative, adaptive and inclusive governance procedures. By drawing on the case studies of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, this paper proposes an innovative risk governance framework for systemic risks based on the integration of systems analysis and a governance procedure with the salient features of reflection, iteration, inclusion, transparency and accountability. Social media summary Systemic risks highlight the interconnected nature of our contemporary societies which calls for tailored responses.

УПРАВЛІННЯ КОРПОРАТИВНИМИ ПРОЦЕСАМИ В УМОВАХ НЕВИЗНАЧЕНОСТІ: ГНУЧКА СТРАТЕГІЯ БІЗНЕСУ ЯК СПОСІБ АДАПТАЦІЇ ДО КРИЗОВИХ ЯВИЩ

In the dynamic landscape of global business, the importance of agile and flexible management strategies has never been more pronounced. As companies worldwide grapple with an increasing spectrum of uncertainties stemming from economic volatility, technological shifts, and geopolitical disruptions, the imperative for adaptive corporate governance becomes paramount. This article delves into the criticality of integrating digital transformations and strategic flexibility to enhance corporate resilience and operational efficiency. The discourse revolves around the evolving nature of corporate environments where traditional management models often fall short in addressing rapid market changes and unexpected challenges. It highlights the role of agility in corporate strategies as a crucial element for navigating through the complexities of the modern economic ecosystem. The focus is placed on the transformative impact of digital technologies, which are reshaping the foundations of business operations and strategic planning. Furthermore, the article explores the dual nature of digitalization as both a potential threat and a significant opportunity. It examines how companies can leverage technological advancements to foster a culture of innovation and adaptability, ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness in fluctuating markets. The narrative also underscores the need for a proactive approach in corporate strategy formulation, where flexibility and agility are integrated as core components of the management framework. By addressing these themes, the article aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on effective management practices that can withstand and capitalize on the inherent unpredictability of global markets. It calls for a broader acknowledgment of the intricate relationship between digital transformation and strategic management, urging companies to adopt a more nuanced and forward-thinking approach to their operational and strategic endeavors. This reflective exploration not only underscores the necessity for a dynamic response to global pressures but also situates digital agility at the heart of modern corporate strategy. As businesses look forward, the adaptability and resilience fostered by such strategic frameworks are positioned as key drivers for thriving in an era marked by unprecedented economic landscapes and competitive pressures.

To burn or not to burn: governance of wildfires in Australia.

Globally, wildfires are increasing in extent, frequency, and severity. Although global climate change is a major driver and large-scale governance interventions are essential, focusing on governance at smaller scales is of great importance for fostering resilience to wildfires. Inherent tensions in managing wildfire risk are evident at such scales, as objectives and mandates may conflict, and trade-offs and impacts vary across ecosystems and communities. Our study feeds into debates about how to manage wildfire risk to life and property in a way that does not undermine biodiversity and amenity values in social-ecological systems. Here, we describe a case study where features of adaptive governance emerged organically from a dedicated planning process for wildfire governance in Australia. We found that a governance process that is context specific, allows for dialogue about risk, benefits, and trade-offs, and allows for responsibility and risk to be distributed amongst many different actors, can provide the conditions needed to break down rigidity traps that constrain adaptation. The process enabled actors to question whether the default risk management option (in this case, prescribed burning) is aligned with place-based risks and values so they could make an informed choice, built from their participation in the governance process. Ultimately, the community supported a move away from prescribed burning in favor of other wildfire risk management strategies. We found that the emergent governance system has many features of adaptive governance, even though higher level governance has remained resistant to change. Our study offers positive insights for other governments around the world interested in pursuing alternative strategies to confronting wildfire risk.

The Framework For Adaptive Governance In Odisha: A Special Reference To Climate Change And Disaster Management

Odisha is known as a highly disaster-prone state. In the last half-decade, the state has faced more than a dozen disaster occurrences. Due to poor weather conditions, the coastal belts often remained in an alarming situation. Even though the state has witnessed so many small and big floods and bad air streaming over the years that resulted in crop failure, acute poverty, property damages, and human losses. Farmer suicide is also a related problem to it. Disaster has left the state poor, weaker but also helpless, and vulnerable. It badly affected the economic and administrative structure of state machinery. In the same way, the continuous disaster risk in coastal areas of Odisha has highly influenced untold human suffering. Some of the important regions of the coastal belt or the eastern cities of Odisha like Paradeep, Berhampur, Puri, and Balasore; whereas West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh will come under tremendous disaster every year. These regions are even under heavy alert in governmental planning to protect lives from possible disaster risks. Even from an economic point of view, it is not doubtful that Odisha is a poor state. Most people depend on agriculture and crop production as their life support system and their occupations rely on sea areas. And more than 30 percent of people still rely on government schemes under the Below Poverty Line (BPL). Hence any unprecedented disasters make possible countless properties, infrastructure, shelters, and lives and livelihood losses in the states. So, stress is placed on the government and governance process, to tackle disaster damage in Odisha with zero casualties. Institutional capacity building is a significant step with the help of stakeholders and local communities to enhance the maximum possibilities against regular disasters. Thus, the study will focus on the role of adaptive governance structure in countering climate change and disaster risks in Odisha. At the same time, it focuses on the resilience step to be taken in protecting lives, livelihoods, and properties in the hands of effective governance.