P09 SIG Civil society and Community Self-Organizations
Panel Member(s) & Contact Details
Corresponding Chair: Kelly Hall, University of Birmingham, UK: k.j.hall@bham.ac.uk
Review Chair: Edwina Zhu (University of Edinburgh, UK: y.zhu@ed.ac.uk
Co-Chairs:
Francesca Calo, Open University, UK
Richard Hazenberg, University of Northampton, UK
Malika Igalla, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
José Nederhand, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Madeline Powell, University of York, UK
Sanna Tuurnas, Tampere University, Finland
Summary
This panel explores the vital role of civil society and community self-organizations in co-producing public services to address complex social challenges. It invites research on how these actors foster innovation, resilience, and public value, especially through digital transformation and inclusive participation. The panel seeks empirical and conceptual contributions that examine cross-sector collaboration, sustainable service delivery, and the evolving relationship between governments and civil society.
Description
In light of the profound shifts in public administration and management evidenced by geopolitical changes, demographic shifts, pressures on traditional public service delivery and rapid digital transformation, our panel seeks to explore the pivotal role of civil society and community self-organizations (e.g. social enterprises, charities, and community initiatives) in (co-)producing public services to tackle existential social challenges. This panel aims to unpack the intricate dynamics between upliftment, innovation, and sustainability for the principles and practices of public services, primarily through the lens of civil society's engagement with these issues. This panel aims to foster future integration across sectors, enhancing positive public and social value, and ensure sustainability.
We strive for excellence in theory, methods, and original contributions to this field and broader public management research. We invite empirical and conceptual papers that critically address the following key questions:
- How do civil society and community self-organisations enhance public value in a transitional environment that increasingly demands innovative practices to manage resource constraints?
- How do civil society and community self-organisations manage their complex and highly professionalized responsibilities (e.g. due to pressures on the health and social care systems) and internal challenges (e.g. to enhance volunteer wellbeing) to ensure resilient pathways to public service delivery?
- How should governments be organised to facilitate public participation, co-production and self-organisation within civil society?
- What is the capacity of community self-organisations to co-create long-lasting value for beneficiaries, communities and wider society?
- How is digital transformation (e.g. AI, digital platforms) reshaping the delivery (and co-production) of public services by civil society organisations?
- How can digital tools and platforms be effectively utilised to foster greater citizen participation in co-producing public service co-production, particularly considering marginalised groups?