DOCSLIB.ORG

Exploring the Usefulness of Structural-Functional Approaches To

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Exploring the Usefulness of Structural-Functional Approaches To Exploring the usefulness of structural-functional approaches to systematically assess the functionality of governance arrangements for natural resource management planning in two Australian case studies Ruth Margaret Potts (n9222952) Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning (Honours 1A) Supervisors: Dr. Karen Vella1, Professor Doug Baker1, Professor Neil Sipe2, and Professor Allan Dale3 1 Queensland University of Technology 2 University of Queensland 3 James Cook University A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctorate of Philosophy Civil Engineering, and the Built Environment, Property and Planning Science and Engineering Faculty Urban and Regional Planning Discipline Queensland University of Technology 26th March 2015 Abstract Natural resources worldwide continue to be degraded despite significant investments in management and conservation activities. The governance arrangements between institutions involved in natural resource management (NRM) are a determinant of the success of NRM activities. While a limited number of theoretically robust evaluative frameworks exist to support analysis and reform of governance arrangements for NRM to improve outcomes, none are currently used to inform or reform Australia’s NRM governance system. Rather, evaluative measures used to analyse NRM in Australia tend to focus on inputs, and outputs, rather than the structures, functions and their interactions to deliver outcomes of governance. The thesis explores structural-functional approaches as a lens for evaluation of complex planning governance systems, and develops the Governance Systems Analysis (GSA) framework. The GSA framework is a theoretically robust, and practice oriented evaluative framework based on structural-functional approaches, planning and policy theories. Using a layered case study approach, this thesis examines the relationship between governance system structures, functions, and NRM planning outcomes, through the lens of structural-functionalism. The multiscale governance arrangements for NRM planning in Cape York Peninsula and the Wet Tropics are described based on iterative desktop analyses, observations of key actors within the two regions, numerous unstructured conversations, and 15 semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was employed to synthesise and determine meaning from the data, while the Delphi technique was applied to validate the conclusions of the analysis and accuracy of the assessment. The three key findings of this research were as follows. Firstly, the thesis demonstrates that through the GSA framework, structural-functional approaches can be used to analyse complex and multiscalar governance systems in a NRM planning context. Secondly, the health of the relationship between structures and functions in governance systems can significantly support or impede the system 2 from delivering is desired outcomes. A comparison of the NRM governance systems in Cape York Peninsula and the Wet Tropics demonstrates that where NRM planning structures and functions are mature and their relationships relatively strong, then the system is more capable of delivering its desired decision-making outcomes than a younger governance system, with weaker relationships between structures and functions. Finally, three lessons for governance system evaluation more broadly emerged, emphasising the importance of taking a collaborative and participatory approach, building relationships between the researcher and participants, and engaging with a diverse array of participants to ensure assessment accuracy. 3 Statement of originality The work contained in this thesis has not been previously submitted to meet requirements for an award at this or any other higher education institution. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made. QUT Verified Signature Date 26/3/15 4 Table of Contents Abstract .............................................................................................................. 2 Statement of originality .................................................................................... 4 Table of Contents ............................................................................................... 5 Personal acknowledgments .............................................................................. 9 Funding acknowledgements ........................................................................... 10 List of published works ................................................................................... 11 List of figures .................................................................................................... 12 List of tables ..................................................................................................... 12 List of abbreviations ........................................................................................ 15 Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................... 17 1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 17 1.2 Statement of problem .................................................................................................................. 17 1.3 Research questions and thesis overview ............................................................................. 22 1.4 Significance of the research ....................................................................................................... 26 1.4.1 Theoretical significance ................................................................................................................. 26 1.4.2 Practical significance ...................................................................................................................... 26 1.4.3 Empirical significance ..................................................................................................................... 27 1.5 Thesis structure .............................................................................................................................. 27 Chapter 2: Research methods ......................................................................... 30 2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 30 2.2 Research Approach ....................................................................................................................... 30 2.3 Research design .............................................................................................................................. 31 2.4 Case study approach and selection ........................................................................................ 34 2.5 Developing the Governance Systems Analysis Framework ......................................... 36 2.6 Applying the Governance Systems Analysis Framework .............................................. 36 2.6.1 Step One: context ............................................................................................................................... 36 2.6.2 Step Two: desired system outcomes ......................................................................................... 38 2.6.3 Step Three: describing the system’s key structural and functional aspects ........... 39 2.6.4 Step Four: identifying priorities for governance reform................................................. 45 2.7 Research limitations ..................................................................................................................... 46 5 2.8 Conclusions ...................................................................................................................................... 47 Chapter 3: Literature review – understanding the complexities of natural resource management and its evaluation ..................................................... 48 3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 48 3.2 What are natural resources and natural resource management? ............................. 48 3.3 Why is natural resource management complex? .............................................................. 50 3.3.1 Interacting multidimensional and complex systems ........................................................ 50 3.3.2 Devolved governance arrangements ....................................................................................... 51 3.3.3 Diversity of stakeholders and how to engage them .......................................................... 53 3.4 Understanding governance........................................................................................................ 56 3.4.1 Conceptualisation of natural resource management governance in this thesis.. 59 3.5 Evaluative frameworks ............................................................................................................... 63 3.6 Use of best practice principles of governance in evaluation ........................................ 68 3.7 Evaluation frameworks currently used to assess Australian natural resource management .................................................................................................................................................... 70
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Jackson: Choosing a Methodology: Philosophical Underpinning
    JACKSON: CHOOSING A METHODOLOGY: PHILOSOPHICAL UNDERPINNING Choosing a Methodology: Philosophical Practitioner Research Underpinning In Higher Education Copyright © 2013 University of Cumbria Vol 7 (1) pages 49-62 Elizabeth Jackson University of Cumbria [email protected] Abstract As a university lecturer, I find that a frequent question raised by Masters students concerns the methodology chosen for research and the rationale required in dissertations. This paper unpicks some of the philosophical coherence that can inform choices to be made regarding methodology and a well-thought out rationale that can add to the rigour of a research project. It considers the conceptual framework for research including the ontological and epistemological perspectives that are pertinent in choosing a methodology and subsequently the methods to be used. The discussion is exemplified using a concrete example of a research project in order to contextualise theory within practice. Key words Ontology; epistemology; positionality; relationality; methodology; method. Introduction This paper arises from work with students writing Masters dissertations who frequently express confusion and doubt about how appropriate methodology is chosen for research. It will be argued here that consideration of philosophical underpinning can be crucial for both shaping research design and for explaining approaches taken in order to support credibility of research outcomes. It is beneficial, within the unique context of the research, for the researcher to carefully
    [Show full text]
  • Toward a Critical-Reflexive Sociology
    University of Tennessee, Knoxville TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange Masters Theses Graduate School 12-2011 Mediating Justice: Toward A Critical-Reflexive Sociology George Christopher Gondo [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes Part of the Inequality and Stratification Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, and the Theory, Knowledge and Science Commons Recommended Citation Gondo, George Christopher, "Mediating Justice: Toward A Critical-Reflexive Sociology. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2011. https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/1069 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Masters Theses by an authorized administrator of TRACE: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a thesis written by George Christopher Gondo entitled "Mediating Justice: Toward A Critical-Reflexive Sociology." I have examined the final electronic copy of this thesis for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, with a major in Sociology. Harry F. Dahms, Major Professor We have read this thesis and recommend its acceptance: Stephen P. Dandaneau, R. Scott Frey Accepted for the Council: Carolyn R. Hodges Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School (Original signatures are on file with official studentecor r ds.) Mediating Justice: Toward a Critical-reflexive Sociology A Thesis Presented for the Master of Arts Degree The University of Tennessee, Knoxville George Christopher Gondo December 2011 Copyright © 2011 by George C.
    [Show full text]
  • Qualitative Research
    Encyclopedia of Leadership ______________________________________________________________________________ Edited by G. Goethals, G. Sorenson, J. MacGregor Copyright © 2004 SAGE Publications London, Thousand Oaks CA, New Delhi www.sagepublications.com A R T I C L E Qualitative Research Sonia Ospina Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service New York University QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Leadership scholars seeking to answer questions about culture and meaning have found experimental and quantitative methods to be insufficient on their own in explaining the phenomenon they wish to study. As a result, qualitative research has gained momentum as a mode of inquiry. This trend has roots in the development of the New Leadership School, (Conger, 1999; Hunt, 1999), on the recent emergence of an approach to leadership that views it as a relational phenomenon (Fletcher, 2002), and on the increased recognition of the strengths of qualitative inquiry generally. Shank (2002) defines qualitative research as “a form of systematic empirical inquiry into meaning” (p. 5). By systematic he means “planned, ordered and public”, following rules agreed upon by members of the qualitative research community. By empirical, he means that this type of inquiry is grounded in the world of experience. Inquiry into meaning says researchers try to understand how others make sense of their experience. Denzin and Lincoln (2000) claim that qualitative research involves an interpretive and naturalistic approach: “This means that qualitative researchers study things in their
    [Show full text]
  • Neoliberalism and Academia in Communication and Media Studies: a New Institutional Framework
    tripleC 19 (1): 195-211, 2021 http://www.triple-c.at Neoliberalism and Academia in Communication and Media Studies: A New Institutional Framework Ángel Carrasco-Campos* and Enric Saperas** *Department of Sociology, University of Valladolid, Segovia Campus, Group of Ad- vanced Studies in Communication, Segovia, Spain, [email protected], www.geac.es **King Juan Carlos University, Fuenlabrada Campus, Group of Advanced Studies in Communication, Madrid, Spain, [email protected], www.geac.es Abstract: The disciplinary field of communication refers to a changing object of study, whose material delimitation depends on the political, socioeconomic and technological contexts in which it develops. These factors must be considered as structural elements, as they determine the knowledge demands and agenda of academia. This article aims to describe the keys to understanding the influence of neoliberalism as an ideology and structure in the academic institutionalisation of the field of communication. The analysis will take into special considera- tion the institutional dimension of research activity as a determining factor to understand the standards that define the dominant paradigm in neoliberal academia. These standards are shared by professionals in relation to working routines, research methodologies, objects of study, theoretical procedures, academic contexts, and dominant traditions, as well as strate- gies for the development of professional careers. Keywords: neoliberal university, dominant paradigm, peer-reviewed journals, scholarly asso- ciations, university rankings 1. Introduction Neoliberalism must be considered a mass deception (Ozgun 2011). Since the 1980s and 1990s, neoliberalism has promised a historic change conveyed by brand-new eco- nomic policies and a global capitalism that would inevitably unite the world in the sce- nario that followed World War II and the Cold War.
    [Show full text]
  • Sociology Teaching and Learning Guide
    Sociology Teaching and Learning Guide Overview Sociology is the rigorous and methodical study of society. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organisations, and societies, and how people interact in various contexts. Anthony Giddens (2013) offers the following definition: Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. It is a dazzling and compelling enterprise, having as its subject matter our own behaviour as human beings. The scope of sociology is extremely wide, ranging from the analysis of passing encounters between individuals in the street up to the investigation of global social processes. The scope of sociology is extremely wide and may encompass a multitude of topic areas and theoretical perspectives. For instance, sociologists are interested in everything from the fleeting interactions of people in everyday life, to gender representations in the media, to large social processes such as globalisation and migration. As such, sociology may be said to be the broadest of social science disciplines and in many ways complements other disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, geography, history and political science, and even subjects like art and literature. While aiming for scientific objectivity, sociologists generally acknowledge that sociology cannot be viewed as a wholly dis-interested enterprise. Being conducted by people already involved in what they study (i.e. society), sociologists acknowledge that values, morals and political perspectives are intertwined with the ‘science of society’. Scientific objectivity and rigour is thus a guiding ideal, but it is recognised that no one has a ‘God’s-eye view’ of reality and sociology is an interpretive undertaking. Rationale Why study sociology? By studying sociology, students develop a critical awareness and understanding of social issues in both local and global contexts.
    [Show full text]
  • Mixed Methods Research Approaches:Warrant Consideration Phenomena in Themethodological Thirdmovementon the Humanities Sciences
    IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 20, Issue 11, Ver. II (Nov. 2015) PP 21-28 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org Mixed Methods Research Approaches:Warrant Consideration Phenomena in theMethodological ThirdMovementon the Humanities Sciences Kamal koohi Assistant Professor of Institute ofSocial Research, University of Tabriz Abstract:Today, Dramatic changes and transformations has happened in theories sociology similar to other areas.We have seen in recent sociological theories emerging paradigms of integrated. Social research methods are not exempt from this rule. Simplification of complex social problems cannot be easily by a deterministic selection approach to both qualitative and quantitative methods. Therefore, since the condition of today's postmodern discourse of diversity technique, Selection mixed research approach is a methodological necessity in the social sciences. Today, the simultaneous use of both quantitative and qualitative methods is justified.As mentioned, the mixed researchapproach qualitative and quantitative methods are combined by each other.The main objective of this paper is to introduce integrated research approach and review of advantage and disadvantage mentioned method. It is expected that using this approach contribute to overcome the shortcomings of positivistic hard and soft humanistic Blumer. Because the main idea of mixed researchapproach is to combine of qualitative and quantitative approaches,more appropriate and comprehensive understanding is obtained of topic. Keywords:Mixed ResearchApproach, Third Movement ofMethodological, Qualitative Method and Quantitative Method. I. Introduction In the present age, significant changes has occurred in sociological theory and paradigm as a researcher thought and action guidance ( the entire process of research ).
    [Show full text]
  • Philosophical Approaches to Qualitative Research
    Loyola University Chicago Loyola eCommons School of Social Work: Faculty Publications and Other Works Faculty Publications 2014 Philosophical Approaches to Qualitative Research Julia Pryce [email protected] Renée Spencer Jill Walsh Follow this and additional works at: https://ecommons.luc.edu/socialwork_facpubs Part of the Social Work Commons Recommended Citation Pryce, Julia; Spencer, Renée; and Walsh, Jill. Philosophical Approaches to Qualitative Research. The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods, , : 81-98, 2014. Retrieved from Loyola eCommons, School of Social Work: Faculty Publications and Other Works, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/ 9780199811755.001.0001 This Book Chapter is brought to you for free and open access by the Faculty Publications at Loyola eCommons. It has been accepted for inclusion in School of Social Work: Faculty Publications and Other Works by an authorized administrator of Loyola eCommons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. © Oxford University Press, 2014. CHAPTER Philosophical Approaches to 5 Qualitative Research Renée Spencer, Julia M. Pryce, and Jill Walsh Abstract This chapter reviews some of the major overarching philosophical approaches to qualitative inquiry and includes some historical background for each. Taking a “big picture” view, the chapter discusses post-positivism, constructivism, critical theory, feminism, and queer theory and offers a brief history of these
    [Show full text]
  • International Journal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
    International Journal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods Vol.8, No.3, pp.1-23, September 2020 Published by ECRTD-UK ISSN 2056-3620(Print), ISSN 2056-3639(Online) CIRCULAR REASONING FOR THE EVOLUTION OF RESEARCH THROUGH A STRATEGIC CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES Dongmyung Park 1 Dyson School of Design Engineering Imperial College London South Kensington London SW7 2DB United Kingdom e-mail: [email protected] Fadzli Irwan Bahrudin Department of Applied Art & Design Kulliyyah of Architecture & Environmental Design International Islamic University Malaysia Selangor 53100 Malaysia e-mail: [email protected] Ji Han Division of Industrial Design University of Liverpool Brownlow Hill Liverpool L69 3GH United Kingdom e-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT: In a research process, the inductive and deductive reasoning approach has shortcomings in terms of validity and applicability, respectively. Also, the objective-oriented reasoning approach can output findings with some of the two limitations. That meaning, the reasoning approaches do have flaws as a means of methodically and reliably answering research questions. Hence, they are often coupled together and formed a strong basis for an expansion of knowledge. However, academic discourse on best practice in selecting multiple reasonings for a research project is limited. This paper highlights the concept of a circular reasoning process of which a reasoning approach is complemented with one another for robust research findings. Through a strategic sequence of research methodologies, the circular reasoning process enables the capitalisation of strengths and compensation of weaknesses of inductive, deductive, and objective-oriented reasoning. Notably, an extensive cycle of the circular reasoning process would provide a strong foundation for embarking into new research, as well as expanding current research.
    [Show full text]
  • The Positivist Qualitative Research and the Paradigmatic Disclaimer
    1 Positivist Qualitative Research Beyond qualitative/quantitative structuralism: The positivist qualitative research and the paradigmatic disclaimer Izhak Berkovich Department of Education and Psychology, The Open University of Israel, Ra`anana, Israel Abstract Scholarly discourse concerning the distinction between qualitative and quantitative approach often takes on a binary character. This structuralism undermines the legitimacy of positivist qualitative research, a unique method frequently used in social science research. In the present essay, the author argues that positivist qualitative research should be recognized as a unique form of qualitative research. The essay focuses on three issues: (a) the paradigmatic roots of positivist qualitative research, (b) the components of positivist qualitative research as an empirical research approach, including a typology for mapping various manifestations of partially and fully positivist qualitative research, and (c) incorporating a paradigmatic disclaimer section in articles to improve the quality of qualitative research, positivist and non- positivist alike. Recognizing positivist qualitative research as a distinct and legitimate type can improve qualitative studies in social science. Keywords paradigm; paradigmatic disclaimer; positivism, positivist qualitative research; qualitative research Forthcoming in Quality and Quantity. The final publication is available at link.springer.com via https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-017-0607-3 2 Positivist Qualitative Research 1 Introduction The use of qualitative research in social science has a long and distinguished history (Denzin and Lincoln 2003). The field of social science underwent a "qualitative research revolution" in the 1970s and 1980s (Donmoyer and Galloway 2009, p. 7). In social science and education, qualitative research (and researchers), once disregarded and marginalized by hegemonic quantitative research (and researchers), has become a mainstream research approach (Lichtman 2013, p.
    [Show full text]
  • Qualitative Research in the Post-Modern Era
    Qualitative Research in the Post-Modern Era The authors While this unique and timely overview of the key foundational thinkers is suffi cient reason for any quali- tative researcher, new or experienced, to read this book, the questions and activities at the end of each chapter make it an indispensible text for instructors who teach qualitative research methods courses to use with their students.… The art of making the complex accessible takes great skill, and this book has the potential to truly engage and challenge graduate students without confusing them by overusing jargon…. Graduate instructors who take seriously the task of mentoring the next generation of qualitative research- ers will defi nitely want to use this book to provoke their students into thinking multidimensionally about the research that they read and conduct…. The video clips will speak to millennial generation students in a way that typical qualitative research methods textbooks could never hope to do. I think that this will be a very popular textbook in many universities. Jim Greenlaw Dean of Education University of Ontario Institute of Technology The project was an ambitious undertaking to complete. The sheer energy that has gone into capturing, on video-tape, the top international researchers is commendable. The ability to harness “The Five Contexts” from the works and refl ections of these scholars as a “conceptual framework for conducting, understand- ing and interpreting qualitative research in a variety of disciplines in this postmodern era” is both timely and original.... I think this would be an excellent research text for graduate students in the Social Sciences and Humanities.
    [Show full text]
  • Rethinking Case Study Methodology in Poststructural Research <Fre
    CJNR 2015, Vol. 47 No 1, 97–114 Rethinking Case Study Methodology in Poststructural Research Shan Mohammed, Elizabeth Peter, Denise Gastaldo, Doris Howell Little consideration has been given to how case study might be used in post- structural research to explore power relations that constitute a phenomenon. Many case study scholars, most notably Robert Yin, adopt a postpositivist perspective that assumes the “truth” can be accessed through applying prescrip- tive and rigid research techniques. Using a discussion of Michel Foucault’s key theoretical ideas and the insights gained through a Foucauldian case study of people with advanced cancer who continue to receive curative treatment, the authors argue for the expansion of case study in poststructural inquiry. They propose that the use of poststructuralist case study is valuable because of the flexibility and comprehensiveness of the methodology, which allows for the exploration of a deeper understanding of the broader discourses that shape a phenomenon, as well as how power/knowledge relations shape the behaviours and perceptions of people. They also introduce the reflexive implications of post- structural case study research. Keywords: case study, qualitative research, advanced cancer, poststructuralism, Foucault, reflexivity © Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University 97 CJNR 2015, Vol. 47 No 1, 97–114 Résumé Repenser la méthode de l’étude de cas à partir du post-structuralisme Shan Mohammed, Elizabeth Peter, Denise Gastaldo, Doris Howell Peu d’attention a été portée à la façon dont la méthode de l’étude de cas peut être utilisée dans le cadre de l’approche post-structuraliste pour étudier les rela- tions de pouvoir qui structurent un phénomène.
    [Show full text]
  • A Review of Packer's the Science of Qualitative Research
    The Qualitative Report Volume 17 Number 13 Book Review 3 3-26-2012 Thorough and Thought-provoking: A Review of Packer’s The Science of Qualitative Research Oksana Parylo University of Georgia, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr Part of the Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons, and the Social Statistics Commons Recommended APA Citation Parylo, O. (2012). Thorough and Thought-provoking: A Review of Packer’s The Science of Qualitative Research. The Qualitative Report, 17(13), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2012.1792 This Book Review is brought to you for free and open access by the The Qualitative Report at NSUWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Qualitative Report by an authorized administrator of NSUWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thorough and Thought-provoking: A Review of Packer’s The Science of Qualitative Research Abstract The conflict between qualitative and quantitative directions in educational research is not new; however, this debate has resurfaced in the accountability era. The Science of Qualitative Research by Martin Packer (2011) is a thought-provoking book that explains why one should engage in qualitative research. Artfully combining history, examples, and his own reflections on the opic,t Packer offers a list of well- grounded arguments that show the importance of and the need for qualitative research. Although this book does not explain how to design and conduct qualitative studies, it makes a good read for all those interested in theories behind modern qualitative work and for those who want to better understand the roots of scientific social esearr ch and common misconceptions about qualitative analysis.
    [Show full text]