Research methods as bridging devices: path and context mapping in governance

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential, both analytically and practically, of understanding research methods as bridging devices. Methods can bridge theory and empirics, but it is argued that they can perform several bridging functions: between theory and praxis, between analysis and strategy and between past and future. The focus is on those forms of bridging relevant for understanding and effectuating change in governance, at community level and at the scale of organizations. Design/methodology/approach The paper develops a perspective on methods as bridging devices. It uses the newly minted methods of governance path and context mapping as a case study. These methods conceptually derive from evolutionary governance theory (EGT) and were developed and tested in Canadian empirical research. The case helps to develop insight in features, forms and limitations of methods as bridging devices in governance research and practice. The authors then use the case to further develop the initial concept of bridging more generally, emphasizing the shifting balance between methods as bridging and creating boundaries. Findings Both the case study and the theoretical analysis underline the necessary imperfection of any method as bridging device. The authors affirm the potential of method to perform different bridging functions at the same time, while revealing clear tradeoffs in each role. Tradeoffs occur with adapted versions of the method producing new strengths and weaknesses in new contexts. In each of the forms of bridging involved neither side can be reduced to the other, so a gap always remains. It is demonstrated that the practice of bridging through method in governance is greatly helped when methods are flexibly deployed in ongoing processes of bricolage, nesting and modification. Governance enables the continuous production of new framing devices and other methods. Originality/value The idea of methods as bridging devices is new, and can assist the development of a broader understanding of the various forms and functions of research methods. Moreover, it helps to discern roles of research methods in the functioning of governance. The context of governance helps to recognize the multi-functionality of research methods, and their transformation in a context of pressured decision-making. Moreover, this approach contributes to the understanding of governance as adumbrated by EGT.

Theory as method: introduction to supertheoretical options for organization and management research

“…The most important bridging devices in the context of this special issue are those that bridge empirics to theory and theory to praxis, although Assche et al also view methods as bridging inter alia analysis to strategy, the past to the future, one discipline to another discipline and one narrative to another narrative. By highlighting how different forms of logic and reasoning may be considered as meta-methods, van Assche et al (2019) show how the development of a new theory can inform the development of new technical methods. In this case, the theory was evolutionary governance theory, and the particular methods were the analysis techniques of “path” and “context mapping”.…”

“…In this case, the theory was evolutionary governance theory, and the particular methods were the analysis techniques of “path” and “context mapping”. Notably, these methods did not only provide a bridge between the theory being used and the empirical evidence that was being gathered, but they may also be seen as providing a bridge between different disciplines as van Assche et al (2019) were applying “path” and “context mapping” to the field of Governance when they had previously been used in the cognate areas of public policy, public administration, planning and economic development.…”

“…van Assche et al (2019) address the usefulness of methods as bridging devices. The most important bridging devices in the context of this special issue are those that bridge empirics to theory and theory to praxis, although Assche et al also view methods as bridging inter alia analysis to strategy, the past to the future, one discipline to another discipline and one narrative to another narrative.…”

Comparative Planning Research, Learning, and Governance: The Benefits and Limitations of Learning Policy by Comparison

“…The methods of path and context mapping, derived from EGT, can prove useful to understand the evolution of planning systems more in detail, as well as their embedding in governance (Van Assche et al, 2019). Application of these methods can have the benefit of combining several of the above-mentioned options.…”

Rethinking strategy in environmental governance

“…Yet rarely the argument is made for self-observation and for observation of reality effects of strategy, which include discursive effects and the interplay between the discursive and the material. Evolutionary governance theory (EGT) can add a particular mode of self-observation in governance that can help to discern the formation of strategy and its evolving effects: governance path and context mapping (Van Assche et al, 2014;Van Assche, Gruezmacher, Beunen, et al, 2019). Reconstructing the interplay between strategizing actors and institutions, between power and knowledge, and mapping the rigidities in governance can focus self-observation in such a manner that the formation of particular strategies (and not others) and the creation of certain effects (and not others) become more understandable (Van Assche et al, 2014b).…”