Managing Uncertainties in Networks

List of illustrations viii Preface xi 1 Uncertainties in dealing with complex problems in the network society 1(16) 1.1 Introduction: dealing with complex problems 1(1) 1.2 Problem solving and decision making in the network society 2(4) 1.3 Uncertainties: wicked societal problems 6(1) 1.4 Dealing with uncertainties: the inadequacy of standard responses 7(2) 1.5 Managing uncertainties in complex networks: a network perspective 9(3) 1.6 Objectives, research question and structure of this book 12(5) PART I Analysis of uncertainties in dealing with complex problems in networks 17(114) 2 Uncertainty about content: knowledge conflicts and asymmetrical debates 19(20) 2.1 Uncertainty about content: an introduction 19(5) 2.2 Two responses to substantive uncertainty and their implications 24(4) 2.3 Sources of substantive uncertainty: problem frames and ambiguity 28(9) 2.4 Conclusion: dealing with substantive uncertainty 37(2) 3 Uncertainty and process: problem solving as a strategic game 39(27) 3.1 Strategic uncertainty in problem solving: introduction 39(3) 3.2 Theories of problem solving: from rational model to game approach 42(3) 3.3 The basic elements of the policy game 45(6) 3.4 Theoretical interlude: the fragmented nature of policy games as a source of uncertainty 51(4) 3.5 Fragmented policy games: problem solving at the crossroads of arenas and games 55(4) 3.6 The evolution of the policy game: rounds, impasses and breakthroughs 59(2) 3.7 Outcomes of the policy game: impacts on content, process and institutions 61(4) 3.8 Conclusion: dealing with strategic uncertainty 65(1) 4 Uncertainty and institutions: patterns, rules and trust 66(24) 4.1 Networks as the institutional context for interaction and games 66(3) 4.2 Towards an institutional network theory 69(5) 4.3 Institutional theories and the network theory: an interlude 74(3) 4.4 Rules in networks: a social infrastructure 77(5) 4.5 Trust as a help against uncertainty 82(5) 4.6 Conclusion: closedness, complexity and change 87(3) 5 Uncertainties and governments: old and new responses 90(23) 5.1 Introduction: government responses to uncertainty 90(1) 5.2 The primacy of politics: a problematic doctrine 91(4) 5.3 Standard response to uncertainty: central norms and consultation 95(6) 5.4 New Public Management response: markets and contracts as an answer to uncertainty 101(6) 5.5 Governance: horizontal steering and cooperation as an answer to uncertainty 107(4) 5.6 Conclusion: governance and the need for network management 111(2) 6 Summing up: dealing with uncertainties in networks 113(20) 6.1 Introduction: building blocks for a theoretical framework 113(1) 6.2 A network approach to problem solving and decision making 113(2) 6.3 Explanations for the evolution and outcome of policy games in networks 115(7) 6.4 Assessing the evolution and outcomes of policy games 122(7) 6.5 A preview of Part 2 129(2) PART 2 Management of uncertainties in dealing with complex problems in networks 131(130) 7 Mapping uncertainties in games and networks 133(27) 7.1 Introduction 133(2) 7.2 Actor, game and network analysis: an overview 135(1) 7.3 Actor analysis: identifying actors, problems, perceptions and dependencies 135(12) 7.4 Game analysis: identification and analysis of arenas, progress and stagnation 147(4) 7.5 The network: analysis of interactions, relations and rules 151(7) 7.6 Reflection: the opportunities and limitations of a stepwise plan 158(2) 8 Managing content: furthering cross-frame reflection and the creation of negotiated knowledge 160(24) 8.1 Introduction 160(1) 8.2 Improving frame reflection and cross frame learning 161(14) 8.3 Arranging research activities: the furtherance of negotiated knowledge 175(8) 8.4 Conclusion: conditions for cognitive learning 183(1) 9 Managing the game: selective couplings, rules of the game and process management 184(28) 9.1 Introduction 184(2) 9.2 Managing the game: general principles 186(2) 9.3 Game management as couplings and decouplings of actors, arenas and games 188(4) 9.4 Game management as furthering the creation of the rules of the game 192(11) 9.5 Game management as facilitating the game 203(7) 9.6 Conclusion: conditions for managing strategic uncertainties 210(2) 10 Managing the network: strategies for institutional design 212(28) 10.1 Introduction: intertwinement or disentanglement? 212(3) 10.2 Changing network rules: tinkering at the foundation of the network 215(11) 10.3 Robust changes of perceptions: reaming 226(4) 10.4 Enhancing trust: a matter of patience 230(2) 10.5 The role of political bodies: a design proposal 232(7) 10.6 Conclusions: the possibilities and pitfalls of institutional design 239(1) 11 Managing uncertainties in networks 240(21) 11.1 Introduction 240(1) 11.2 Management of uncertainties in networks: disentanglers and entanglers 241(2) 11.3 The management of uncertainties in network settings: the repertoire of strategies 243(6) 11.4 The choice of network management strategies 249(8) 11.5 Some reflections upon the management of uncertainties 257(4) Bibliography 261(17) Index 278