Implementing Network Governance in Natural Resources Management: Evidence From Water Protection Networks in Brazil

ABSTRACT The extant literature largely ignores the micro‐governance of collaborative networks (CNs), that is, the day‐to‐day functions that CN coordinators need to perform to produce a collaborative environment that stimulates joint action. This paper aims to identify which configurations of micro‐governance functions foster an internal collaborative environment in CNs. We collected data from 36 CNs for water protection in Brazil and performed a Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). Results show two configurations that may be adopted in different situations. Although the first configuration requires all six micro‐governance functions to be performed, the second one does not require high monitoring. This configuration is adopted by CNs whose stakeholders do not have a previous history of conflict. Our study advances the theory of collaborative governance by empirically demonstrating how micro‐governance functions enable effective implementation in natural resources management. We contribute to the practice of collaborative governance by describing how CN coordinators may enhance their day‐to‐day activities.