Defining success in the commons : Addressing problem orientations, multidimensionality, norms, and tradeoffs
Barnett, Allain J. (Florida International University)
Partelow, Stefan (Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research)
Frey, Ulrich (University of Giessen)
García-Lozano, Alejandro (Duke University Marine Laboratory)
Mancha-Cisneros, Maria Del Mar (Duke University)
Oberlack, Christoph (University of Bern)
Ratajczyk, Elicia (Colorado State University)
Smith, Hillary (Duke University Marine Laboratory)
Villamayor Tomás, Sergio (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals)
Whitney, Charlotte K. (University of Victoria)

Date:	2020
Description:	22 pàg.
Abstract:	Commons and social-ecological systems research examines institutional arrangements for governing natural resources to improve social and ecological outcomes. However, no universal definition of success exists. We examine the CPR and SES synthesis literature to identify trends, gaps and challenges for examining success. We address: (1) gaps in the literature, (2) multidimensionality and tradeoffs, and (3) and the link between problem orientation and definitions of success. To do this we conduct a comprehensive review of Large-N studies, meta-analyses and systematic reviews of CPR and SES governance (n = 45). We found seven dimensions of success, corresponding to collective choice, constitutional and operational levels, temporal dimensions, and socio-economic outcomes. Most studies did not address power and tradeoffs, or specify the social groups to whom success would apply. The majority of studies defined success in one dimension, most often demand-side provisioning (e. g. , productivity or biodiversity). A regression analysis suggests that studies on rangelands or grasslands, correlative studies, and/or studies of state property systems (i. e. , protected areas) were more likely to use fewer dimensions of success. Problem orientations often did not correlate with dimensions of success considered in a study, suggesting that measures of success often cannot adequately address the full suite of problems recognized in synthesis research. This presents a significant challenge for collective action among scholars who aim to develop general knowledge on SES and CPR governance. We discuss exemplary studies that measure success as multidimensional, address power and tradeoffs, and conclude with four recommendations for advancing the analysis of success.
Note:	Unidad de excelencia María de Maeztu CEX2019-000940-M
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Collective action ; Multi-dimensionality ; Norms ; Power ; Problem framing ; Success ; Tradeoffs
Published in:	International Journal of the Commons, Vol. 14, Issue 1 (August 2020) , p. 366-387, ISSN 1875-0281

DOI: 10.5334/IJC.994

22 p, 1.5 MB

The record appears in these collections:
Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Experimental sciences > Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA)
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles