Meta-Governance Principles

10 Questions

What is the main value that the self-governance mode possesses in the context of fisheries governance?

It demonstrates that regulators should not try to 'buck the market', and that fishing regulations must be economically literate.

What is the key concept underlying the participatory mode of governance?

The concept of citizens and stakeholders (vs. the hierarchical concept of the master/subject relationship and the market concept of producers and consumers).

At what level does the participatory mode of governance operate?

The meso (civil society) level, mid-way between the macro (state) level and the micro (individual) level.

What theory explains the rise of participatory governance in post-war Western countries?

Post-materialism.

What are the values included in post-materialism?

Environmental goods and greater self-determination.

What kind of movements led to the rise of NGOs demanding inclusion in decision-making forums?

New Social Movements (NSMs).

How do NSMs differ from old social movements?

NSMs demand redistributive economic and social policies.

What is the relationship between hierarchical governance and participatory governance?

Participatory governance serves as a corrective to hierarchical governance.

What is the significance of the concept of the person in participatory governance?

It emphasizes the role of citizens and stakeholders.

How does participatory governance address the limitations of hierarchical governance?

By providing a more inclusive and participatory approach to decision-making.

Study Notes

Core Principles of Meta-Governance

Rationality is a core principle, which involves basing governance on verifiable facts, logical choice of instruments, and a defendable strategy.
Responsiveness and performance are also core principles of meta-governance.

Modes of Fisheries Governance

There are three main modes of governance: hierarchical, self-governance (market governance), and participatory governance (co-governance).
In reality, governance often occurs along a continuum of modes, from top-down hierarchical governance to bottom-up self-governance.
Hybrid modes or transitional modes may also exist as a response to governability issues.

Hierarchical Governance

Hierarchical governance is characterized as 'state-centric' or 'directive', with a top-down structure.
The State plays a key role in this mode, with interaction between the State and citizens expressed through implementation of policies and laws.
Steering and control are key concepts in this approach.

Failure of Hierarchical and Market Governance

Crises in fisheries have led to the need for co-management regimes, as hierarchical and market governance modes have failed to address over-exploitation.

Participatory Governance

Participatory governance has several criticisms, including that it is unnecessary, inhibits flexibility, is costly, and triggers conflict in decision-making.
There are four distinct sub-types of participatory governance: industry self-regulation, co-management, community partnership, and environmental stewardship.
Despite its limitations, participatory governance serves as a corrective to hierarchical governance, emphasizing the need for economically literate fishing regulations.

Features of Participatory Governance

Participatory governance involves the concept of citizens and stakeholders, operating at the meso (civil society) level.
It emphasizes the importance of public participation in decision-making and recognizes the role of stakeholders in governance.

Origins of Participatory Governance

Participatory governance has its roots in post-materialism, which emphasizes quality of life and environmental goods over material wealth.
New Social Movements (NSMs) and the rise of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also contributed to the growth of participatory governance.