Bridging the hierarchical and collaborative divide: the role of network managers in scaling up a network approach to water governance in California

Abstract

Network governance represents an important approach to managing complex environmental challenges because of its capacity to support learning. However, multi-scalar problems often require networks to interface with hierarchical modes of governance. This paper examines how network managers can help mediate the potentially constraining influence of external demands on a network’s capacity for learning. It finds that a trusted lead agency can help bridge the hierarchical and collaborative divide by brokering across regional and state-level interests, developing processes that transform external requirements into learning opportunities, and supporting the development of informal dynamics in addition to formal rule compliance.