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New Modes of Governance in the Shadow of Hierarchy: Self-Regulation by Industry in Europe

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Listed:
  • Adrienne Héritier
  • Sandra Eckert

Abstract

In technically complex areas, political actors increasingly rely on private actors to shape public policy. This is due to the greater expertise of the private actors, mostly industry. This article theorizes and empirically investigates the conditions under which self-regulation by industry (governance) emerges in environmental policy at the European level and asks how effective it is. Is 'a shadow of hierarchy' (governmental intervention) needed to ensure the emergence and effectiveness of voluntary agreements? We show that the willingness to engage in self-regulation is prompted by a regulatory threat with governmental action. Once legislation has been pre-empted, environmental self-regulation is implemented under a weak 'shadow of hierarchy'. We identify the causes of this 'weak' control and explain the differential performance in the two sectors on the basis of different market incentives.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrienne Héritier & Sandra Eckert, 2007. "New Modes of Governance in the Shadow of Hierarchy: Self-Regulation by Industry in Europe," EUI-RSCAS Working Papers 20, European University Institute (EUI), Robert Schuman Centre of Advanced Studies (RSCAS).
    • Handle: RePEc:erp:euirsc:p0183
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Prakash,Aseem & Potoski,Matthew, 2006. "The Voluntary Environmentalists," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521860413.
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    5. Hansen, Lars Gårn, 1997. "Environmental Regulation through Voluntary Agreements," MPRA Paper 47537, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 1999.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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