Balancing authority and meaning in global environmental assessment: An analysis of organisational logics and modes in IPBES. Issue 112 (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Montana, Jasper
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 112(2020)
• Page Start: 245
• Page End: 253
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Authority -- Expertise -- Global environmental assessments -- IPBES -- Meaning -- Organisation; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2020.06.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Highlights: Authority and meaning are 'logics' that guide the organisation of expertise in GEAs. The organisation of expertise in IPBES is perceived through 'organisational modes'. In IPBES, authority and meaning are at times mutually reinforcing or in tension. Interactions between logics and modes can produce innovations in expertise. Deeper thinking about organisational arrangements for transformation is needed. Abstract: This paper interrogates the parallel goals of global environmental assessments (GEAs) to be both authoritative and meaningful sources of environmental expertise. It explores authority and meaning as distinct 'organisational logics' that guide the development of GEAs. Through the case of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the paper examines the organisation of expertise using an analytical framework of six organisational modes: the modes of foundation, incorporation, representation, convention, exhibition and transformation. Drawing on interviews and document analysis, the paper finds that the logic of authority and the logic of meaning often promote distinct organisational arrangements that are at times mutually reinforcing and at times in tension. The analysis suggests that balancing these two pursuits is not without its challenges. However, it highlights the potential to recognise GEAs as experimental and evolutionary organisations for environmental governance.