Network governance in community development

: structures and dynamics in the Northern Territory, Australia

Abstract

This thesis applies a range of governance network concepts, primarily developed within the global political north, to a specific governance network operating within remote northern Australia. The range of governance challenges found present illustrates several informal management mechanisms that have spontaneously emerged capable of addressing specific intercultural management needs. Through application of key network governance concepts analyses within the thesis develop explanations for how and why these informal management mechanisms have emerged. Focus for this study is directed at how such informal management mechanisms are subject to transformation from both internal and external influences, as network members set and achieve various governance tasks intended to address development needs in the region it has emerged from. By assuming such responsibility, the network engages with various levels of government as it seeks to create a favourable environment for its governance aims. As such, an emerging relationship between the network and the government departments and agencies it interacts with is utilised to inform analysis of transforming state-society relations believed characteristic within network societies.

Date of Award	Jun 2014
Original language	English
Supervisor	Ian Thynne (Supervisor), Heather Aslin (Supervisor) & Stephen Garnett (Supervisor)