A normative framework for public value orchestration in governance networks

Thesis Abstract

The study addresses the pressing challenge of achieving coherent public value creation within governance networks, where diverse public and non-state actors pursue overlapping and sometimes conflicting objectives under fragmented authority structures. It posits that normative guidance is needed to align actions, incentives, and accountability mechanisms across actors to optimize social outcomes, while preserving democratic legitimacy and adaptability in dynamic policy environments. The aim is to develop a normative framework for orchestrating public value within governance networks, articulating principles, mechanisms, and performance indicators that enable coordinated value creation across multi-actor landscapes. Specific objectives are (1) to elucidate the normative foundations of public value in interorganizational networks using the concepts of public value management, network governance, and stewardship theory; (2) to formulate a criteria-based framework for value orchestration that integrates legitimacy, efficiency, equity, and resilience; (3) to identify governance mechanisms—relational, institutional, and informational—that facilitate alignment without undermining autonomy; (4) to validate the framework through empirical inquiry in three municipal-regional pairs; (5) to propose an operational model and measurement toolkit for assessing value orchestration in practice. The methodology adopts a mixed-methods, multi-site design grounded in a realist-pragmatist philosophical paradigm to capture context-mechanism-outcome configurations. The study targets governance networks operating in three medium-sized metropolitan regions, each comprising municipal authorities, health agencies, and civil society organizations. A total population of approximately 180 organizations will be approached, with a purposive sample of 45 organizations engaged in cross-sector initiatives and 22 formal network coordinators. Data collection employs (a) semi-structured interviews with senior managers and network coordinators (n=60 interviews), (b) document analysis of policy briefs, annual reports, and inter-organizational agreements (n?120 documents), and (c) a structured survey instrument measuring perceived legitimacy, value outcomes, coordination quality, and network trust (n=250 respondents). Instrument validity is established through expert review and pilot testing; reliability is confirmed via Cronbach’s alpha (? ? 0.80 for multi-item scales). Analytical techniques include thematic analysis for interview transcripts, descriptive and inferential statistics for survey data, and regression-based analysis to test the relationships among coordination quality, legitimacy, and public value outcomes. A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach will assess the proposed normative framework’s pathways, while qualitative findings will triangulate and refine theoretical propositions. Key expected findings include (i) a robust set of normative principles for public value orchestration, including legitimacy-centered alignment, transparency and accountability, proportionality in intervention, and resilience-oriented adaptability; (ii) identification of three primary governance mechanisms—relational (trust, reciprocity, coalition-building), institutional (formal agreements, shared policies, joint budgeting), and informational (data sharing, common metrics, feedback loops)—that most strongly predict successful value orchestration; (iii) empirical evidence that positive network trust and perceived legitimacy mediate the relationship between coordination quality and public value outcomes, with SEM indicating significant indirect effects (?>0.25, p<0.01). The study anticipates that alignment on shared value propositions reduces transaction costs and enhances service integration, while preserving local autonomy. The contribution to knowledge is twofold. First, it advances theory by integrating public value management with network governance and stewardship theory to produce a formal normative framework and operational model for value orchestration. Second, it offers a practical toolkit comprising normative principles, governance catalysts, and a measurement instrument set—comprising a diagnostic scorecard and a toolkit for policy alignment—that municipal and regional networks can adopt to monitor and enhance value creation across sectors. The study concludes that effective public value orchestration emerges from a balanced combination of legitimacy-enhancing practices, transparent coordination mechanisms, and adaptive governance architectures that are sensitive to local context and organizational diversity. Recommendations include adopting the proposed framework as a guiding policy charter for governance networks, implementing regular legitimacy audits and value-oriented performance reviews, investing in interoperable information systems and shared metrics, and establishing seed funds to nurture cross-sector pilots that embody the normative principles, while encouraging ongoing learning and reflexive governance to sustain public value in evolving environments.