What combinations of conditions lead to high performance of governance networks? A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis of 12 Sardinian tourist networks. Issue 4 (1st August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fadda, Nicoletta; Rotondo, Federico
• Is Part Of: International public management journal. Volume 25:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 517
• Page End: 543
• Publication Date: 2022-08-01
• Subjects: Public administration -- Periodicals; 351.05
• DOI: 10.1080/10967494.2020.1755400
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1096-7494

Abstract

Abstract: This study seeks to contribute to our understanding of the complex causality of determinants of governance network performance in the field of tourism. From the literature, we identify four conditions – the formalization of coordination mechanisms, network management, network complexity and stakeholder involvement - and consider three levels of performance – network, participants and community. We use a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate the cases of 12 Sardinian tourist networks. Our analysis shows that stakeholder involvement is a necessary condition, and that there are two configurations that lead to high network performance: formalized coordination mechanisms combined with the presence of network complexity and stakeholder involvement; and network complexity combined with the presence of stakeholder involvement and network management. The unique contribution of this article lies in the fact that it presents a theoretical integration of several "niche" domains of the network research in public management and administration and, in particular, it elaborates why tourism is a niche area. In doing so we hope this article acts as an example on how to study small to medium-sized networks in a specific sector.