The Promise of Partnerships: Local Governance and the Practice of Partnership

Date

2012-01-06

Authors

Pletsch, Carolyn

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Guelph

Abstract

This investigation examines the new roles of government, civil society and the private sector, in the shift from government to governance. In particular this thesis explores partnership practise within the context of rural Ontario, as partnerships involving some combination of public, private, and civil society actors, have become important vehicles for the achievement of rural governance and community development goals. Contrary to the normative view of these relationships however, anecdotal evidence suggests that partnerships are not always good for all participants. Who actually benefits from these relationships? What are the operational realities that facilitate or present barriers to effective partnership practice? This thesis develops a perspective on these questions, as well as offering a working theory on partnerships that provides some insight for those interested in advancing the theory and practice.

Description

Keywords

government, civil society, private sector, governance, partnership practice, rural Ontario

Citation