Evidence from Neighborhood Governance in Beijing

Weijie Wang (wangweij@missouri.edu)
Truman School of Government and Public Affairs
University of Missouri

doi: 10.18278/cpj.3.1.3

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Abstract
Research on network governance has primarily focused on “goal-directed” networks, leaving the governance of serendipitous networks underexplored. Drawing on resource dependence theory and institutional theory, this paper proposes a new framework to explain the formation of different governance structures. It identifies the balance of power and the degree of institutionalization as key variables shaping organizational interactions, leading to distinct governance structures. Using evidence from neighborhood governance networks in Beijing, the study demonstrates how the interplay between power dynamics and institutionalization gives rise to four governance structures: shared governance, inertial governance, insurgent coalition domination, and lead organization governance. This research advances our understanding of serendipitous network governance and offers new insights into the reciprocal relationship between power and institutionalization.

Keywords: serendipitous networks, power balance, institutionalization, neighborhood governance