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Two Logics of Indirect Governance: Delegation and Orchestration

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  • Abbott, Kenneth W.
  • Genschel, Philipp
  • Snidal, Duncan
  • Zangl, Bernhard

Abstract

This article introduces the concept of orchestration as the mobilization of an intermediary by an orchestrator on a voluntary basis in pursuit of a joint governance goal. Orchestrator-Intermediary theory then provides a model of indirect governance that supplements delegation models premised on principal-agent theory. Under both theories, governors enhance their governance capacity by drawing on the capabilities of third parties. Whereas delegation is premised on hard ‘contractual’ control over the agent, however, orchestration relies on the soft control of like-minded intermediaries through material and ideational support. The two models overlap, and governors mix them in practice, but distinguishing between them analytically can broaden and deepen analysis of indirect forms of governance. This article discusses the circumstances under which each model provides a better fit for real-world problems, as well as the key limitations of each model. Among other things, orchestration is relatively more likely in democratic than authoritarian systems, when governors have limited direct capacities of their own and when veto players are more numerous. Orchestration is not always more desirable than delegation, but it provides an important alternative in some circumstances. Multiple examples from both domestic and international settings are used to illustrate this claim. The article closes with key considerations regarding the effectiveness and legitimacy of orchestration.

Suggested Citation

  • Abbott, Kenneth W. & Genschel, Philipp & Snidal, Duncan & Zangl, Bernhard, 2016. "Two Logics of Indirect Governance: Delegation and Orchestration," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 46(4), pages 719-729, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:bjposi:v:46:y:2016:i:04:p:719-729_00
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    1. Maria Stella Righettini & Renata Lizzi, 2020. "Governance Arrangements for Transboundary Issues: Lessons from the Food Waste Programs of Italian Regions," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 37(1), pages 115-134, January.
    2. Wehrmann, Dorothea, 2020. "Transnational cooperation in times of rapid global changes: The Arctic Council as a success case?," IDOS Discussion Papers 12/2020, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).
    3. Keman Huang & Stuart Madnick & Nazli Choucri & Fang Zhang, 2021. "A Systematic Framework to Understand Transnational Governance for Cybersecurity Risks from Digital Trade," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 12(5), pages 625-638, November.
    4. Stefan Bößner & Francis X. Johnson & Zoha Shawoo, 2020. "Governing the Bioeconomy: What Role for International Institutions?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-24, December.
    5. Wehrmann, Dorothea, 2018. "Incentivising and regulating multi-actor partnerships and private-sector engagement in development cooperation," IDOS Discussion Papers 21/2018, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).
    6. Sander Chan & Idil Boran & Harro van Asselt & Paula Ellinger & Miriam Garcia & Thomas Hale & Lukas Hermwille & Kennedy Liti Mbeva & Ayşem Mert & Charles B. Roger & Amy Weinfurter & Oscar Widerberg & P, 2021. "Climate Ambition and Sustainable Development for a New Decade: A Catalytic Framework," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 12(3), pages 245-259, May.
    7. Mintao Nie, 2023. "IOs’ selective adoption of NGO information: Evidence from the Universal Periodic Review," The Review of International Organizations, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 27-59, January.
    8. Augustinus, Clarissa, 2020. "Catalysing global and local social change in the land sector through technical innovation by the United Nations and the Global Land Tool Network," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    9. Philipp Genschel & Markus Jachtenfuchs, 2017. "From market integration to core state powers: the Eurozone crisis, the refugee crisis and integration theory," RSCAS Working Papers 2017/26, European University Institute.
    10. Henning Schmidtke, 2019. "Elite legitimation and delegitimation of international organizations in the media: Patterns and explanations," The Review of International Organizations, Springer, vol. 14(4), pages 633-659, December.
    11. Philipp Pattberg, 2017. "The emergence of carbon disclosure: Exploring the role of governance entrepreneurs," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 35(8), pages 1437-1455, December.
    12. Sander Chan & Thomas Hale & Andrew Deneault & Manish Shrivastava & Kennedy Mbeva & Victoria Chengo & Joanes Atela, 2022. "Assessing the effectiveness of orchestrated climate action from five years of summits," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 12(7), pages 628-633, July.
    13. Nicole De Silva, 2017. "Intermediary Complexity in Regulatory Governance," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 670(1), pages 170-188, March.
    14. Kenneth W. Abbott & Philipp Genschel & Duncan Snidal & Bernhard Zangl, 2020. "Competence versus control: The governor's dilemma," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 14(4), pages 619-636, October.

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