The exploration of network analytical tools in mapping a climate service boundary organization stakeholder network
Abstract
Over the past three decades, climate-service organizations have placed significant emphasis on expanding their networks in order to provide effective service delivery. The objective of the Regional Integrated Science and Assessments (RISA) is to produce useful climate science information for place-based decision support, meeting the information needs of the local community while engaging with many stakeholders in the knowledge creation process. Success in this process necessitates that the RISA organization be seen as trustworthy, credible, and legitimate across its network to enable knowledge sharing and utilization among its stakeholders. However, little research has gone into elucidating and quantifying the success or effectiveness of an actual RISA organization network structure, much less how a RISA organization expands its network. The purpose of this research is to use network analysis to investigate who the RISA's stakeholders are, how the RISA interacts with its stakeholders and how to visualize a RISA stakeholder network. Using the RISA 'Climate Assessment for the Southwest' (CLIMAS) as a case study, this research explores how network analyses and theories can be used to this end. This exploratory research highlights strengths and weaknesses of both the CLIMAS network and network analysis as a quantitative tool for evaluating a climate service boundary organization.
Degree
M.S.
Advisors
McNie, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Climate Change|Communication|Public policy
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