Analyzing Network Performance and Accountability at the Subnational Level of Government in Thailand: A Network-Enveloped Hypothesis'

Abstract

A number of studies examine network performance and accountability. Nonetheless, very few of them explore how network performance is reconciled with democratic accountability. This essay provides empirical evidence from the experiences of Thai subnational governments, indicating that networked collaborations do enhance both program performance and democratic accountability. The authors develop a contingency logic of networked arrangements to help explain the attainment of both administrative values under the Network-Enveloped Hypothesis (NEH). NEH is the notion of fluidity of collaborative structures that are contingent on network objectives, leadership styles, resource mobilization, socioeconomic environments, and public administration imperatives. Matching the internal network operating systems and the external environments not only improves problem -solving capacity but also enhances democratic accountability.