Citizen‐Centered Collaborative Public Management

TLDR

Civic engagement and collaborative public management are broadly defined, making theoretical explication and empirical application difficult. The authors adopt citizen‑centered definitions of civic engagement and collaborative public management and call for further empirical research grounded in citizenship action. They review U.S.

Abstract

Civic engagement and collaborative public management are concepts that are defined broadly, making theoretical explication challenging and practical application of empirical research difficult. In this article, the authors adopt definitions of civic engagement and collaborative public management that are centered on the citizen and the potential for active citizenship. Following a historical review of civic engagement in the United States, a conceptual model of five approaches to civic engagement is offered. Citizen‐centered collaborative public management is enhanced through these approaches. The authors suggest the need for further empirical research on collaborative public management that is grounded in citizenship action.