The Impact of Networks on Unemployment

verfasst von: J. M. Hurst

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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This book investigates why networks, some with joined-up governance remits, appeared ineffective in handling neighbourhood unemployment even in periods when the national unemployment levels dropped. It deploys a multi-theoretical and methodological framework to investigate this empirical puzzle, and to test and analyse the causal factors influencing network outcomes. Chapters examine network concepts, network theories, outcome indicators, the historical infrastructure and management of unemployment policy, and governing network trends in post-war urban regeneration interventions. Comparative network case studies offer empirical evidence and a high degree of local variation. Mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative approaches), including social network analysis, uncover formal and informal networks, and eighty-six interviews in two English local authorities with persistent unemployment, give voice to network practitioner experiences. Findings explain why sub-optimal network outcomes prevail and operational difficulties persist on the ground. Students and academics, professionals and activists can use the results to challenge network governance theories and the policy status-quo.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 9. Erratum to: The Impact of Networks on Unemployment

J. M. Hurst

Framework for Investigating Network Impact

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Why Network Impact?

Abstract

This introductory chapter outlines a research rationale in network impact and uses unemployment policy as a test case. It claims the literature has overlooked the multi-dimensional impacts of the network concept and that it skews network definitions and governance thinking toward network and organisational participant level impact more than outcomes for citizens. In response, a multi-theoretical and methodological framework approach guides the systematic investigation of the empirical puzzle: why neighbourhood unemployment persists despite the existence of networks. Specifically, the approach examines how five factors: central environment, area-based factors, network structure, network processes and the individual’s actions may affect socially optimal or suboptimal network outcomes, understood at three impact levels: network, organisational/participant and neighbourhood. A further discussion reviews network performance concepts and outcome indictors, and links the empirical puzzle to a policy network typology.

J. M. Hurst

Chapter 2. Theoretical Background

Abstract

This chapter considers how theories contextualise our understanding of network impact. There are no exclusive theories or agreed set of values with which we can judge network impact. However, if a theory’s scope is too narrow, speculative or lacks reality, the impact explanation may be distorted or trivialised in causal terms. While network literature reveres collaboration and trust, these facets cannot regulate individualism, labour coordination or economic demand. Section 1 links network performance to theoretical traditions. Section 2 reviews the roles of network structure (conditions for agency), agency (actors’ behaviour and interactions) and network processes (namely network governance and network management). In conclusion, network theories appear to elevate managerial culture; professional practice, performance and interaction supporting political discourse and the contagion effect of ideologies more than socioeconomic outcomes for localities.

J. M. Hurst

Chapter 3. Unemployment Policy Context

Abstract

This chapter examines governance structures in the unemployment policy context. Whether networks can realistically address wide-ranging unemployment problems has to be considered, alongside state policy, the ongoing local labour market problems and the operations of local employment initiatives. Section 1 explains unemployment definitions and unemployment dimensions requiring network responses. Section 2 surveys UK unemployment policy, from macro-economic adjustments and EU influence and employment-boosting schemes, to the barriers to full employment. Section 3 shows how governance structures in the policy field constrain network performance. Without alternative policy directions and reform, the evidence suggests in future networks will continue to repackage policies that struggle to alleviate neighbourhood unemployment.

J. M. Hurst

Chapter 4. Urban Regeneration Policy and Governing Networks

Abstract

British governments use governing networks in English urban regeneration policy as a strategy for tackling persistent unemployment in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Networks govern in the sense that network participants steer financial incentives to meet specific regeneration goals and influence problem perceptions. This chapter considers why billions of regeneration aid over decades has left thousands of unemployed people no better off than before, and still with few employment prospects. First, it explores the scope of urban regeneration, and considers why regeneration may not acquiesce with the unemployment policy. Then it identifies eight governing network trends supporting political change from 1945. Thereafter, it discusses centralising networks since 1997. The chapter draws on wide-ranging theoretical frameworks, including power elites, pluralism, Marxism, New Right perspectives, growth coalitions, urban regimes, and policy network analysis and neighbourhood governance.

J. M. Hurst

Investigating and Analysing Network Impact

Frontmatter

Chapter 5. Inner-City Network Cases

Abstract

Chapters 5 and 6 are similarly structured and report on network activity in two local authorities in different English regions operating similar, centrally funded network interventions with remits for tackling unemployment. At the outset, a sampling strategy identified the case sites, two ward clusters in each borough, both with persistent unemployment but different local cultures, socio-economic histories and structural conditions. Section 1 introduces the local authority and its economic problems. Section 2 compares ward cluster demographics, unemployment, environment, culture and politics, overall policies, and network culture. Section 3 profiles five cases of formal and informal networks, and includes attributes, activities and sociograms visualising network connectivity. The final section compares the factorial impact on cases. This chapter introduces Tower Hamlets, an inner-city London borough (Labour-controlled) in England.

J. M. Hurst

Chapter 6. Seaside Town Network Cases

Abstract

This chapter has four sections reporting on five network cases which took place in Great Yarmouth, a seaside town in the east of England, during a period of Conservative-control. A sampling strategy identified the case sites, two ward clusters with persistent unemployment but different local cultures, socio-economic histories and structural conditions, and cases of formal and informal networks tackling unemployment. Section 1 introduces the local authority and its economic problems. Section 2 compares ward clusters, including demographics, unemployment, environment, culture and politics, overall policies and network culture. Section 3 profiles the case network attributes, activities and sociograms visualising network connectivity. The final section compares the factorial impact on cases.

J. M. Hurst

Chapter 7. Network Impact: Performance and Outcomes

Abstract

Network impact is not easily measurable or cross-checkable and outcomes are subject to chance, antecedent conditions or leakage from other areas; there is little control over who benefits ultimately from such programmes, and cost benefits are not precise. However, if network rhetoric is not to mislead, more understanding is required about network performance. This chapter surveys interviewees’ perceptions of network performance in case areas and correlates results with case networks. Findings suggest high-reputational networks had low effectiveness scores, as actors esteem networks that further their niche organisational self-interests. As Chaps. 5 and 6 demonstrate, network connectivity was low despite the policy rhetoric for ‘joined-up working’. It then cautiously assesses case network outcomes at three levels, using network performance variables. Finally, it identifies interviewees’ preferred outcomes.

J. M. Hurst

Chapter 8. Conclusions: Modelling Suboptimal Network Outcomes

Abstract

The final chapter draws together the investigative strands. The first section summarises the network literature in view of networks’ conceptual limits and economic realities. In the second section two ‘gateways’ model suboptimal outcomes depicting factors impact and causal constraints. The implications are discussed. An epilogue to the fieldwork provides updates and more evidence to support the line of argument. The verdict on the success of networks tackling persistent unemployment is bleak given that the policies offered to unemployed people are limited or trap them in a blame culture, and that there are not enough jobs. Finally, the chapter reviews the limitations of this research and suggests new research avenues. Scholars and policymakers cannot afford to ignore the book’s findings.

J. M. Hurst

Backmatter

Titel: The Impact of Networks on Unemployment
verfasst von: J. M. Hurst
Verlag: Palgrave Macmillan UK
Electronic ISBN: 978-1-349-66890-8
Print ISBN: 978-1-137-02537-1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-66890-8