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The explanatory power of the landscape perspective on inter-organizational collaboration

Author

Listed:
  • Martine de Jong

    (Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands and Organizational Consultancy, TwynstraGudde, Amersfoort, the Netherlands)

  • Jurian Edelenbos

    (Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands)

  • Geert Teisman

    (Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands)

  • Jesse Hoffman

    (Urban Futures Studio and Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands)

  • Maarten Hajer

    (Urban Futures Studio and Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands)

Abstract

Collaboration between organizations is generally seen as a pre-requisite for dealing with complex problems, but such efforts appear to be inherently difficult and often disappoint expectations regarding their problem-solving capacity. In this article we add to the existing literature by taking a systemic, landscape perspective on collaborative success and failure. Using a case study of urban regeneration in the Dutch Randstad conurbation, we show that when practitioners aim to collaborate on an inter-organizational level (between organizations), they also need to collaborate productively on intra-organizational (between teams) and supra-organizational (between coalitions) levels. We investigate the tense relationships within and among these levels, and highlight what happens in-between, thereby picturing a bigger collaborative landscape. Drawing on interviews and participant observation we reveal horizontal and vertical practices of “in-betweening†within and between each level. These practices are a promising way to overcome difficulties that may surface on the inter-organizational level but are influenced by the two other levels. Understanding and synchronizing collaborations on all three levels is presented as an effective way to increase the problem-solving capacity of inter-organizational collaboration.

Suggested Citation

  • Martine de Jong & Jurian Edelenbos & Geert Teisman & Jesse Hoffman & Maarten Hajer, 2023. "The explanatory power of the landscape perspective on inter-organizational collaboration," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 55(6), pages 1408-1427, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:55:y:2023:i:6:p:1408-1427
    DOI: 10.1177/0308518X231152889
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Hans Joosse & Geert Teisman, 2021. "Employing complexity: complexification management for locked issues," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(6), pages 843-864, June.
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