Global Policies and Local Practice: Loose and Tight Couplings in Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives

Andreas Rasche, Dirk Ulrich Gilbert

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper extends scholarship on multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) in the context of corporate social responsibility in three ways. First, I outline a framework to analyze the strength of couplings between actors participating in MSIs. Characterizing a MSI as consisting of numerous local networks that are embedded in a wider global network, I argue that tighter couplings (within local networks) and looser couplings (between local networks) coexist. Second, I suggest that this coexistence of couplings enables MSIs to generate policy outcomes which address the conditions of a transnational regulatory context. I argue that MSIs’ way of organizing enables them to cope with three challenges: the stability, flexibility, and legitimacy of governance. Reflecting on these challenges, the article identifies a number of problems related to MSIs’ role in transnational governance. Third, I discuss the UN Global Compact as an illustrative case and examine problems and opportunities related to its stability, flexibility, and legitimacy.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication date2012
    Number of pages50
    Publication statusPublished - 2012
    EventThe 28th EGOS Colloquium 2012: Design!? - Helsinki, Finland
    Duration: 5 Jul 20127 Jul 2012
    Conference number: 28
    http://www.egosnet.org/archive/2012_helsinki/general_theme

    Conference

    ConferenceThe 28th EGOS Colloquium 2012
    Number28
    Country/TerritoryFinland
    CityHelsinki
    Period05/07/201207/07/2012
    Internet address

    Cite this