Civic Engagement, Community-Based Initiatives and Governance Capacity: An International Perspective

This book explores community-based initiatives in different countries, focusing on government involvement and leadership roles. It brings together experts from around the world to examine how these initiatives can enhance governance capacity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book aims to theoretically conceptualize and empirically investigate emerging and established practices of community-based initiatives across different countries, where citizens and governments collaborate and mobilize their resources to address complex societal challenges. By examining cases from various nations, the book departs from the notion that community-based initiatives occur within an institutional context of governmental structures, rules, procedures, regulations, and routines. This involvement of the government in these initiatives and the sharing of public spaces are key aspects. Furthermore, the editors consider the evolving leadership roles, knowledge, and resources within these collaborative or coordinative efforts, which can ultimately enhance the capacities of community-based initiatives.

The book brings together a diverse group of esteemed researchers from renowned universities worldwide, striving for a balance between emerging scholars and renowned experts in the field of community-based initiatives and governance capacity. Contributors were carefully selected based on their extensive experience in community-based initiatives, citizen engagement, and governance capacity approaches. This volume is of interest to researchers and academics across various fields, including business, economics, public administration, political science, social enterprise, sociology, and third sector studies.

In the first chapter, the book provides an overview of community-based initiatives and their historical context. It explores the origins and evolution of these initiatives, as well as the factors that have contributed to their growth and proliferation in different parts of the world. The chapter also highlights the diverse range of community-based initiatives, including community development, social entrepreneurship, and community organizing.

The second chapter delves into the theoretical framework of community-based initiatives. It examines the concept of community, its role in addressing social and economic challenges, and the various theories and models that underpin community-based initiatives. The chapter also explores the role of governance capacity in fostering effective collaboration between citizens and governments in community-based initiatives.

In the third chapter, the book presents empirical case studies from various countries. These case studies explore the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from community-based initiatives in different contexts, such as urban regeneration, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability. The chapter highlights the role of different stakeholders, including citizens, governments, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies, in these initiatives and the strategies they employ to achieve their goals.

The fourth chapter examines the challenges and barriers to the successful implementation of community-based initiatives. It explores the political, economic, and social factors that hinder or facilitate community-based initiatives, as well as the strategies that can be employed to overcome these challenges. The chapter also discusses the role of policy and regulation in shaping community-based initiatives and the role of public-private partnerships in promoting collaboration and sustainability.

The fifth chapter explores the role of technology in community-based initiatives. It examines the use of digital technologies, social media, and other communication platforms to facilitate community engagement, collaboration, and information sharing. The chapter also explores the challenges and opportunities associated with technology-driven community-based initiatives, such as data privacy, digital divide, and the potential for technology to exacerbate existing inequalities.

The sixth chapter examines the sustainability of community-based initiatives. It explores the factors that contribute to the sustainability of these initiatives, such as community ownership, resource mobilization, and long-term planning. The chapter also discusses the strategies that can be employed to ensure the sustainability of community-based initiatives, such as building capacity, developing partnerships, and promoting policy change.

The final chapter summarizes the key findings and conclusions of the book. It highlights the importance of community-based initiatives in addressing complex societal challenges and the need for continued research and collaboration to promote their effectiveness and sustainability. The chapter also calls for policymakers, practitioners, and citizens to recognize the potential of community-based initiatives and to support their development and implementation.

In conclusion, this comprehensive book aims to provide a theoretical and empirical understanding of emerging and established practices of community-based initiatives across different countries. By examining cases from various nations, the book departs from the notion that community-based initiatives occur within an institutional context of governmental structures, rules, procedures, regulations, and routines. This involvement of the government in these initiatives and the sharing of public spaces are key aspects. Furthermore, the editors consider the evolving leadership roles, knowledge, and resources within these collaborative or coordinative efforts, which can ultimately enhance the capacities of community-based initiatives. The book brings together a diverse group of esteemed researchers from renowned universities worldwide, striving for a balance between emerging scholars and renowned experts in the field of community-based initiatives and governance capacity. Contributors were carefully selected based on their extensive experience in community-based initiatives, citizen engagement, and governance capacity approaches. This volume is of interest to researchers and academics across various fields, including business, economics, public administration, political science, social enterprise, sociology, and third sector studies.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367699840