Paper/Speech Details of Conference Program for the 27th NISPAcee Annual Conference Program Overview Panel: Public Value as a Guiding Principle for Governance Author(s) Jack Meek University of La Verne La verne United States Joe De Ldurantey Title Creating Public Value through Building Network Sustainability File Paper files are available only for conference participants, please login first. Presenter Jack Meek Abstract This paper propose was prepared for the 27th NISPAcee Annual Conference “From Policy Design to Practice,” to be held in Prague, Czech Republic, May 24 – 26, 2019. The paper seeks to contribute to the panel, “Public Value as a Guiding Principle for Governance,” chaired by Julia Dahlvik and Michal Sedlacko. Abstract The literature on the management of governance networks (Koliba, Meek, Zia and Mills 2018; Klijn & Koppenjan 2016; Agranoff 2012; O’Leary & Bingham 2009) suggests that when collaborative practices persist for several years, many see the real benefits (public value) and make believers of the skeptics (Linden, 2002). Based upon the research conducted in this paper, there was substantial agreement that public value may be directly tied to the mission and accomplishments of the collaborative network. Utilizing the “Strategic Triangle” proposed by Mark Moore (1995) for the definition of public value, the strength of public value lies in the network being legitimate and politically sustainable and substantially valuable to the community. Possessing the capacity for administrative feasibility may require additional research efforts as there appeared to be a level of weakness as would be common for collaborative networks that may lack administrative support. The demand to create public value reflects the determination of whether to become a member of the collaborative network and whether to stay. If the mission and goals are seen as viable, compatible and worthy, then responsible managers and executives will find the time required to commit to issues of the collaborative network. This is supported by Linden’s (2002) assertion that those involved in networks must experience the benefits of collaborating in their everyday work for an extended period of time. This paper uses a multiple case-study design utilizing standard interview/questionnaire methodology to identify the factors influencing collaborative network policy influence and sustainability. Examined cases include a metropolitan-wide law enforcement network, a regional economic partnership and a county-based interagency review team. Preliminary findings indicate positive associations between network involvement and sustainability measures as well as agency enhancement and network participation. The results of this study support the argument that Mark Moore’s precepts regarding public value have considerable merit. With a greater focus on public value there is a corresponding move from programmatic government to being mission and values-based governance utilizing goals and networking to address issues that transcend boundaries. A belief in public value, as articulated by Goldsmith and Eggers (2004), will gradually change the way government is conceptualized and eventually reflect on the way business is conducted in the public sector. Collaborative networks O’Toole 1997; play an integral role in this effort as seen by the results of this study.
