Trust in Governance Networks

2010/03/18 by Erik-Hans Klijn, Erik‐Hans Klijn, Jurian Edelenbos +1 · 5 citations
Social Sciences · #E-Government and Public Services #Public Policy and Administration Research #Social Capital and Networks

paper · doi:10.1177/0095399710362716

openalex publication_date 2010/03/18 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

Governance networks are characterized by complex interaction and decision making, and much uncertainty. Surprisingly, there is very little research on the impact of trust in achieving results in governance networks. This article asks two questions: (a) Does trust influence the outcomes of environmental projects? and (b) Does active network management improve the level of trust in networks? The study is based on a Web-based survey of respondents involved in environmental projects. The results indicate that trust does matter for perceived outcomes and that network management strategies enhance the level of trust.

Cited by

• The Impacts of Political Leaders’ Social Capital on Policy Success: The Case of Local Food Systems
• Unpacking the Collaborative Toolbox: Why and When Do Public Managers Choose Collaborative Governance Strategies?
• Unlocking citizen participation: Network characteristics, sense of power, and place attachment as key factors in regional settings
• Governance network theory: past, present and future
• Do Public Officials Trust Citizens? A Welfare State Perspective

Related

• Exploring the interplay between public and interpersonal trust in participation for sustainable water management: an international comparison
• Collaborative Governance and the Challenges of Network-Based Research
• Pursuing Trust in Environmental Regulatory Interactions
• Building Trust With Trust? A Qualitative, Exploratory Study of Implementing a Trust Reform in a Norwegian Municipality
• Modes of Network Governance: Structure, Management, and Effectiveness