Unpacking the Connections between Network and Stakeholder Management and their Application to Road Infrastructure Networks in Queensland

Abstract

Since the late twentieth century, there has been a shift away from delivery of infrastructure, including road networks, exclusively by the state. Subsequently, a range of alternative delivery models including governance networks have emerged. However, little is known about how connections between these networks and their stakeholders are created, managed or sustained. Using an analytical framework based on a synthesis of theories of network and stakeholder management, three cases in road infrastructure in Queensland, Australia are examined. The paper finds that although network management can be used to facilitate stakeholder engagement, such activities in the three cases are mainly focused within the core network of those most directly involved with delivery ofthe infrastructure often to the exclusion of other stakeholder groups.

Key words:

• Stakeholder engagement
• governance network
• network management
• road infrastructure

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This paper was developed within the Co-operative Research Centre for Integrated Engineering Asset Management. The authors gratefully acknowledge the detailed and insightful comments of the anonymous referees on earlier versions of this paper.