Governance Model Research Articles

Towards sustainable food systems: a review of governance models and an innovative conceptual framework

AbstractTo accelerate the transition towards inclusive, ecological, just and economically viable food systems, insights into appropriate governance models and principles are needed. This article aims to understand how food system governance is linked to and can contribute to sustainability. A review of 34 articles addressed food system governance, sustainability, current barriers and potential solutions. Some authors propose new, participatory, collaborative and democratic governance models to achieve a sustainable food system transition. Other authors consider a lack of integrated policies across sectors and siloed governance major barriers to holistic sustainability agendas and food system approaches. Three main elements of governance emerged from the reviewed literature: (i) interactions between actors, (ii) control and power balances, and (iii) (in)formal rules. Our analysis provides a fourth element: the orchestration of (multiple) food systems and policies. These four elements are integrated into a novel conceptual framework for consistently researching food systems governance for sustainability. The latter is now defined as ‘the continuous process of orchestration of policies and (multiple) food systems consisting of diverse interacting actors, respecting (in)formal rules and striving to provide food for all, in equitable and environmentally-friendly ways, at any time and in any context’.

The search for good governance in Chile: tensions and challenges from indigenous women’s perspective

ABSTRACT What does “good governance” mean for indigenous women? What are the main dimensions of analysis from the perspective of indigenous women? The search for good governance has become a challenge for Latin American states, especially in representing the interests of indigenous women. In nation-state contexts, governance models have been characterized by patriarchal forms of democracy, with indigenous women obliged to participate as members of a homogeneous nation. This highlights the importance of considering concepts such as power, hegemony or exclusion from decision-making spaces. From the Chilean case, this article proposes an analytical framework to analyze the tensions, values and proposals that arise from indigenous women’s perspective, showing the difficulties that arise in defining the principles of good governance in contexts of diversity. The main information is based on the application of in-depth interviews with 20 Mapuche indigenous women leaders, complemented by the responses provided by 925 Mapuche women who participated in the Special Mapuche CEP 87 Survey in 2022, along with press analysis and official documents.

The role of collaborative governance in translating national cancer programs into network-based practices: A longitudinal case study in Canada.

Networks (multiple organizations or actors coordinating their activities towards a common goal) have been promoted in the cancer programs of a number of countries. But there is little empirical evidence on whether and how they overcome the siloed functioning endemic in specialized domains. This study examines how collaborative governance takes shape to support integrated network-based practices within a prescribed national cancer program. A longitudinal qualitative single-case study was conducted of the Quebec cancer network in Canada. Data were collected in 2018-2020 through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (n = 37) involved in regional and/or national cancer network structures and a review of documents (n = 45) generated at national and regional level. Abductive thematic analysis during and post-field work was based on Emerson's collaborative governance framework. It aimed to identify how collaborative governance mechanisms (principled engagement, shared motivation and capacity for joint action) were activated in the network, and their contribution to translating a national cancer program into network-based practices at the point of care. Principled engagement was driven through interdisciplinary committees at national and regional level, communities of practice and trajectory-development efforts. These mandated structures supported knowledge exchange and contributed to the recognition of interdependencies, distribution of leadership and development of mutual understanding and trust. Shared motivation benefitted from a vision of patient-centred care but was hindered by top-down communication vehicles that did not allow regional priorities to filter upwards to central level. Between care providers in different settings, trust and candidacy were identified as mechanisms important to shared motivation, though network actions did not sufficiently support trust across care settings, or even between members of the same profession. Candidacy issues hindered family physician participation in cancer network structures that mirrored ongoing difficulties to including them in cancer care practice. Institutional arrangements were important drivers of capacity for joint action in the network. Common indicators were recognized as important to generating efforts towards common goals; however, questions around their validity reduced their contribution to capacities for joint action. Despite favorable starting conditions from the national cancer program and its central leadership promoting collaborative governance, tensions that emerge through the pursuit of network integration limit the transition to a more collaborative practice. Taking the time to work out these tensions as integration proceeds in waves appears essential to arrive at a governance model that is appropriate and acceptable for all network members.

Exploring the Acceptance of the Public Consumer in Scandinavian Governance: An Essay About Choice as Both a Right and an Obligation

In this essay, I critically explore the acceptance of the “public consumer” concept within Scandinavian governance. The rise of neo-liberal policies and New Public Management has significantly influenced current governance models, emphasizing principles of competition and marketisation to enhance public sector efficiency. However, limited attention has been given to the public consumer concept, particularly within the Scandinavian context, despite the region's prominence in adopting new and innovative management techniques. Drawing upon Anglo-Saxon literature and Scandinavian administrative models, I explore why the public consumer concept has been so accepted in Scandinavian governance contexts. I argue that the existence of mixed administrative models has created a fertile ground for accepting the public consumer as a viable actor in Scandinavian governance. This is highlighted by understanding choice as both a right and an obligation. Furthermore, I argue that although the public consumer concept may be attributed to the rise of New Public Management, it is expected that the public consumer will play an even more intricate role as post-New Public Management comes into motion.

Towards a Data Governance Model for Enhanced Data Quality Management: A study of Public Sector Organizations in Guyana

Public sector organisations in Guyana recognise the need to handle and manage sensitive data properly. Proper data governance is the solution. Identifying the factors that would influence the design of data governance models helps to ensure the creation of a solid model and data quality management. This study accumulated factors from the literature and presented them to IT professionals in Guyana. The Contingency Model served as a base for the identified factors to work together to create a company-specific model for data quality management. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse nine (9) interview transcriptions from medium to high-level personnel across different public sector organisations in Guyana. The factors identified were refined to the Guyanese context. Culture emerged as an indigenous factor in this study. This research resulted in an emergent model that can now be used to design data governance models for public sector organisations in Guyana

Computational diplomacy: how 'hackathons for good' feed a participatory future for multilateralism in the digital age.

This article explores the role of hackathons for good in building a community of software and hardware developers focused on addressing global sustainable development goal (SDG) challenges. We theorize this movement as computational diplomacy: a decentralized, participatory process for digital governance that leverages collective intelligence to tackle major global issues. Analysing Devpost and GitHub data reveals that 30% of hackathons since 2010 have addressed SDG topics, employing diverse technologies to create innovative solutions. Hackathons serve as crucial kairos moments, sparking innovation bursts that drive both immediate project outcomes and long-term production. We propose that these events harness the neurobiological basis of human cooperation and empathy, fostering a collective sense of purpose and reducing interpersonal prejudice. This bottom-up approach to digital governance integrates software development, human collective intelligence and collective action, creating a dynamic model for transformative change. By leveraging kairos moments, computational diplomacy promotes a more inclusive and effective model for digital multilateral governance of the future. This article is part of the theme issue 'Co-creating the future: participatory cities and digital governance'.

University Governance in the Legal Entrepreneurship of Intellectual Capital Around the Implementation of the SDGs

Aim. The study's objective is to compare a theoretical model of university governance in the COVID-19 era. Since the literature consulted warns of the pandemic's impact on university governance, the factor structure was confirmed. Method. An exploratory, cross-sectional, and correlational study was carried out with a sample of 180 administrators, teachers, and students from a university in central Mexico selected for their participation in the social service system and professional practices in community health institutions. The instrument was evaluated using the Delphi technique in three phases: qualifying, comparative, and reiterative- reconsidered. The University Governance Scale was applied via Zoom session. The data were captured in Excel and processed in JASP. Reliability, validity, adjustment, and residual coefficients were estimated to contrast hypotheses. Results. The three-factor structure was corroborated: identity, reputation, and image. Although the first factor explained the highest percentage of variance, only 12 of 18 indicators correlated with its factors. Conclusions. The study's contribution lies in contrasting the university governance model in a scenario of exposure to COVID-19. Still, the study's limit lies in the non-generalization of the results to the university community.

Examining Macro-Level Barriers and Facilitators to Scaling Up Integrated Care from a Complexity Perspective: A Multi-Case Study of Cambodia, Slovenia, and Belgium

Introduction: The ‘Scale-Up diaBetes and hYpertension care’ (SCUBY) project provides evidence on scaling-up integrated care (IC) in Cambodia, Slovenia, and Belgium. This paper examines macro-level barriers and facilitators to scaling up IC in these settings. Methods: We used a multi-case study design, with each country being a case. Document review, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews were conducted. The WHO health system building blocks guided the thematic analysis. We then visualised and examined the interlinkages between barriers in each country. Results: Common challenges to scaling up IC across the three health systems relate to: governance and leadership; health workforce; inadequate health financing system; and fragmented health information systems. In Cambodia, access to non-communicable disease (NCD) services and medicine are important issues. IC scale-up is facilitated by its strong governance and public health service model in Slovenia but health workforce shortages risk progress. In Belgium, the fragmented governance system and predominant fee-for-service provider payment are important barriers. A common response to health workforce and workload challenges was task shifting: to primary care nurses in Belgium, peer supporters in Slovenia, and community health workers in Cambodia. Conclusions: Examining differences and similarities between barriers in each health system stimulated reciprocal learning. Interactions between health system barriers in specific contexts require further attention to move complex health systems forward.

Cooperative Strategies in Transboundary Water Pollution Control: A Differential Game Approach

This paper, based on differential game theory, examines governance models and cooperative strategies for managing cross-border water pollution in regions with uneven economic development. To address cross-regional water pollution, three differential game models are constructed under different scenarios: the Nash noncooperative mechanism, the pollution control cost compensation mechanism, and the collaborative cooperation mechanism. This study analyzes the dynamic changes in pollution emissions, governance investments, and economic returns within each model. The results indicate that the collaborative cooperation mechanism is the most effective, as it significantly reduces pollution emissions, maximizes overall regional benefits, and achieves Pareto optimality. In comparison, the pollution control cost compensation mechanism is suboptimal under certain conditions, while the Nash noncooperative mechanism is the least efficient, resulting in the highest pollution emissions. Furthermore, the research explores the influence of cooperation costs on the selection of governance models. It finds that high cooperation costs reduce local governments’ willingness to engage in collaborative cooperation. However, an appropriate compensation mechanism can effectively encourage less-developed regions to participate. Numerical analysis confirms the dynamic evolution of pollution stocks and economic returns under different models, and provides corresponding policy recommendations. This paper offers theoretical insights and practical guidance for cross-regional water pollution management, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation and cost-sharing in environmental governance.

Analysis of Institutional Design of European Union Cyber Incident and Crisis Management as a Complex Public Good

ABSTRACTEffective cyber incident response and crisis management increasingly relies on the coordination of relevant actors at supranational levels. A polycentric governance structure is one of the institutional arrangements that can promote active participation of involved actors, an aspect decisive for the rapid and effective response to cyber incidents and crises. This research aims to dissect whether, and to what extent, a polycentric structure is manifested within the cyber crisis management framework of the European Union (EU) and assesses the extent to which these policies signal a balance between centralization and decentralization. By employing Institutional Grammar 2.0, we examine the roles and interactions among actors delineated within four key policies to identify the structural characteristics, institutional essentials, and prerequisites indicative of a polycentric governance system. Additionally, we apply network analysis to evaluate dyadic relationships of actors, further assessing the balance between centralization and decentralization in the EU's cyber crisis management framework. Our analysis reveals that the EU has adopted a polycentric governance model for cyber crisis management, characterized by a nuanced distribution of responsibilities and authorities. The findings highlight a tendency toward centralization, especially in the roles of Member States and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), while maintaining a polycentric structure that blends centralization and decentralization. This balance can ensure structural integrity and coherence of the system, while theoretically providing the flexibility and resilience needed to adapt to the dynamic cyber threat landscape. The study contributes methodologically, offering a framework that can be applied to other domains, and provides insights into the effective coordination of cyber incident response and crisis management at supranational levels.

Innovation and Optimization of Corporate Governance Models through Mobile Interactive Technology

Innovation and Optimization of Corporate Governance Models through Mobile Interactive Technology

Adversity and Resiliency: Athlete Experiences within U.S. College Sport

Research regarding the benefits and detriments of the U.S. collegiate sport governance structure are mixed. Guided by Richardson’s Resiliency Theory (2002), former athletes (n = 215) revealed specific themes of adversity experienced during college with the most prevalent including injury, time demands, and coach-athlete tension. Through interview, athletes noted adversity promoted their resiliency, facilitated grit/perseverance, enhanced teamwork and time management skills, and led to other forms of growth. This study extends our understanding of the long-term impacts of competitive sport participation in this context. This understanding is important for administrators seeking to maximize participant experiences and emulate, enhance, or reform the U.S. College Sport governance model.

Local Body Election in Tamil Nadu - A View

This article examines the evolution and current structure of local governance and election practices in Tamil Nadu, tracing back to the historical Uravai system of village councils, where community-elected elders adjudicated local disputes. With roots in ancient Tamil society, local self-governance evolved significantly under the reign of Tamil kings, particularly during the Chola period, where the Kudavolai system—a forerunner to modern democracy—allowed villagers to select council members for self-administration. Following independence, the Indian government initiated reforms to decentralize governance, notably through the Balvantrai Mehta and Ashok Mehta Committees. These committees advocated for a three-tier rural governance model, later enshrined in the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. Tamil Nadu, aligning with these democratic principles, enacted the Panchayat Act in 1994, establishing a modern framework for local elections with distinct advancements, including reserved seats for women to enhance political inclusion. The article highlights how Tamil Nadu’s local governance structure, blending historical customs with contemporary democratic reforms, promotes public welfare through elected municipal bodies, demonstrating progressive strides in gender representation and local political participation.

Cold start and hot feedback: a knowledge sharing and governance model considering individual willingness from a prospect theory perspective

Cold start and hot feedback: a knowledge sharing and governance model considering individual willingness from a prospect theory perspective

The Influence of Corporate Governance on Tax Avoidance and The Role of Independent Auditors in Vietnamese Firms

This research addresses how corporate governance mechanisms influence tax avoidance in Vietnamese firms and the role of independent auditors in detecting or mitigating tax avoidance. The purpose of the research is to explore the relationship between corporate governance structures (e.g., independent boards, audit committees) and tax behavior, as well as to assess how auditors interact with these governance mechanisms to ensure tax compliance. A qualitative case study approach was used to analyze six companies from different sectors and governance models (2 state-owned enterprises; 2 family-owned private companies; and 2 publicly listed companies) through 18 interviews conducted between May 2024 and October 2024 with 3 key individuals from each company, including: Independent auditor; Company CEO; Manager or administrator, along with documentary analysis of financial statements and tax filings. The research found that firms with stronger governance (e.g., independent boards and active audit committees) are less likely to engage in tax avoidance, while weak governance structures often lead to more aggressive tax strategies. Independent auditors were more effective in well-governed firms, but faced ethical challenges in weaker ones. These findings are significant because they highlight the importance of strengthening governance frameworks and ensuring auditor independence to reduce tax avoidance and improve corporate transparency in Vietnam.

Governance of rural solid waste under a multi-subject governance model

Rural solid waste (RSW) exhibits distinct characteristics compared to municipal solid waste (MSW), such as dispersed distribution, long governance chains, and low recycling value, making it unsuitable to apply the same management measures as MSW. Government-led RSW management results in excessive administrative costs, and the inherent characteristics of RSW reduce market enthusiasm for its management. To address these issues, this paper integrates the “ multi-subject governance “ model with RSW management and establishes a systematic evaluation index system for RSW governance. Utilizing the Best-Worst Method (BWM), key factors were identified. Utilizing the VIKOR method, representative provinces in China were used as case studies to validate the scientific nature of the evaluation indices. The research findings indicate that the multi-subject governance model is an effective approach for RSW management. Key factors influencing RSW management effectiveness include various governmental measures, waste sorting, and a long-term multi-subject governance mechanism. Case analysis reveals a strong correlation between the level of economic development and the effectiveness of RSW management. However, constructing a government-led, multi-subject collaborative urban-rural interconnected RSW management model can effectively address RSW management issues in economically underdeveloped areas. This research provides innovative solutions for RSW management, contributing to high-quality and sustainable development in rural areas.

CMMI & Lean-Based Metrics Governance Model to Ensure Data Accuracy & Consistency for Ai/Ml Applications for Sustainable Operations in Mining Industry

In today’s competitive business environment, even small improvements in productivity and efficiency can have a huge impact on company’s profitability. Whether it is through reduced lead time/waste, minimized downtime or improved quality, operation managers are looking for any advantage at every stage. Lean management is a long-term operational discipline that methodically seeks to enhance efficiency and quality by eliminating wastage. The concept is being used in varied industries and helped by improved productivity, safety & better management. Lean in being used by few mining companies also at a small scale, which has helped them in limited way. AI/ML is another important technology used by many organizations. Many global mining companies have also used it for improving operational efficiency, which have helped miners in a limited ways in improving the productivity and safety. Mining companies have to deal with tons of data set generated from heavy machinery and plants, which have to be stored, processed, and stored. There are many challenges in the data set generated/used by AI/ML-application for mining operations. One of the key challenges in AI/ML is accessibility and availability of accurate & consistent data. To ensure consistency of data there is a need for a governance structure which will guarantee the availability of required accurate data set for AI/ML system. One possible solution could be, CMMI’s metrics processes used by IT companies and have helped in improving quality. CMMI’s Metrics related processes are being used extensively by the organizations for better monitoring & control of key measures. This paper explores the possibility of usage of CMMI’s metrics practices with lean implementation in mining for ensuring availability of accurate data sets for AI/ML applications. The proposed framework will put a governance model in place to ensure accuracy & consistency of data to be used for AI/ML-applications in Mining.

Beyond Borders : Addressing the Legal Quagmire of Jurisdiction in Cyberspace

This article delves into the complex scenario of governing cyberspace, addressing key issues such as accessibility, digital disparities, and the regulatory challenges posed by cross-border activities, and applicable test by judiciary across the globe while resolving such emerging issues. Despite technological progress, cyberspace largely remains an unregulated realm, creating opportunities for cybercrimes such as stalking, data breaches, exploitation of minors, and hacking. The lack of a cohesive global governance structure makes tackling these issues a formidable task. The article offers a critical assessment of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, the sole international treaty on cybercrimes, pointing to its limited acceptance, especially among ASEAN nations. This hesitation underscores an ideological rift: some countries prioritize cyber sovereignty, while others support a multi-stakeholder model that incorporates contributions from governments, private enterprises, and civil society. These divergent views present barriers to legal harmonization and obstruct cross-border collaboration in prosecuting cyber offenders and ensuring data protection. To address these multifaceted challenges, the article suggests a layered governance approach, integrating global frameworks with regional alliances and national strategies. This model encourages international cooperation while respecting national sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships to bolster cybersecurity. Furthermore, it advocates for investments in digital infrastructure and cyber literacy programs to reduce the digital divide, facilitating broader, fairer access to online spaces. Ultimately, the proposed governance model seeks a balanced approach, safeguarding individual rights alongside the imperatives of security and accountability, and aiming to cultivate a cyberspace that is safer, more inclusive, and subject to responsible oversight.

Shades of authoritarian digital sovereignty: divergences in Russian and Chinese data localisation regimes

ABSTRACT The concept of sovereignty is now referred to in cyberspace-related policy by a range of governments, both authoritarian and democratic. At the same time, the most prominent proponents of state – or sovereignty-centric models of internet governance are Russia and China, whose positions are often characterised as a shared ‘Sino-Russian’ model. This paper subjects this idea of a shared Sino-Russian approach to empirical scrutiny by conducting a comparative analysis of rules, regulations and policies on data localisation in both countries. By delimiting the research question to regulations on data localisation and cross-border data transfers in both countries, we identify an important set of similarities and differences between the Russian and Chinese approaches. They share some features associated with authoritarian regimes, such as uncertainty around the selective enforcement of broadly formulated rules and a centralised assessment of outbound data transfers. However, we also find significant differences in the level of institutional centralisation, degrees of responsiveness within the policymaking process, and economic logics driving data localisation and cross-border transfer regulations. Based on these findings, we argue that despite a perception that Russia and China adhere to a similar model of authoritarian digital sovereignty, there are significant disparities in their data localisation regimes.

Adaptive Capacity, Governance and Small Island Developing States: A Case Study of Sargassum Management in the Eastern Caribbean

Governance generally, and appropriate operational institutions specifically, are said to be crucial to increasing human adaptive capacity amidst environmental change. But existing conceptualizations tend to assume a universal model of governance will work for states of all sizes. This article questions this orthodoxy which disregards the lack of clarity on size-relevant institutional design and functioning. We do so by focusing on the role of governance in the adaptive capacity of small island developing states (SIDS) facing a new marine social-ecological threat. We draw on a unique dataset of capacity self-assessments undertaken by thirty-eight key agencies involved in the management of sargassum seaweed influx events in the Eastern Caribbean. We found support for the findings of public administration scholars who show that country size is a contextual factor affecting adaptive capacity beyond the control of managers. The implication is that the ability of SIDS to adapt to new or emergent environmental change is crucially inhibited by size-related governance constraints while solutions that mitigate these effects – informal networks and regional organizations – are not well captured by existing metrics. To ensure assessments of adaptive capacity are contextually appropriate we need a more nuanced appreciation of the impacts of state size on governance outcomes.