Submit a Manuscript to the Journal
International Journal of Public Administration
For a Special Issue on
Cross-Sector Collaboration Between Government and Civil Society Organizations
Abstract deadline
Manuscript deadline
Special Issue Editor(s)
Brian Byung Min,
Wayne State University
bhmin@wayne.edu
Jonathan Lubin,
Georgia Southern University
jlubin@georgiasouthern.edu
Jihoon Jeong,
Texas A&M International University
jihoon.jeong@tamiu.edu
Cross-Sector Collaboration Between Government and Civil Society Organizations
Extensive research on cross-sectional collaboration between government and civil society organizations (CSOs)[1] or nonprofit organizations has been undertaken over the last few decades, examining various frameworks and perspectives (e.g., Shaw, 2003; Gazley & Guo, 2020; Simo & Bies, 2007; McNamara et al., 2020). For instance, adopting democratization and new governance theories, more participatory approaches have been undertaken, exploring on democratic transformation and partnership paradigms (Anheier & Toepler, 2019; Brinkerhoff, & Brinkerhoff). Some studies focused on public-nonprofit relationships (Grønbjerg & Smith, 2021; Young. 2000) and its dynamics (Gazley & Guo, 2020). Although researchers have focused extensively on these collaborations' relational, structural and functional aspects, limited attention has been paid to the role of CSOs as dynamic and autonomous stakeholders, shaping and adapting within these partnerships (Ansell & Gash, 2008; Min, 2024).
Still, when government agencies act as authoritative decision-makers through professionalization demands from regulatory and procedural requirements, and program goals and priorities determined outside the organization, service delivery organizations can merely respond to the government’s pressure with less room to actively co-manage the collaboration process as an equally powered partner within a hierarchical chain (Guo, 2007). Thus, there is a need for further exploration into how CSOs position themselves within these collaborations- whether as passive recipients of government directives or as strategic actors with agency and influence (Moulton & Eckerd, 2012).
This special issue invites research that deepens theoretical and empirical insights into the nature, dynamics, and leadership of cross-sector collaboration. We especially welcome contributions that explore variations in these processes across different contexts and examine their implications for public service delivery, network governance, and organizational hybridity. Submissions may include conceptual pieces, comparative analyses, case studies, and qualitative approaches emphasizing the complexities of collaboration between government and CSOs, contributing to theoretical development.
Potential topics include but are not limited to:
- The evolving role of CSOs in collaborations;
- Power dynamics and decision-making structures in cross-sector partnerships;
- Network analysis of government-CSO relationships;
- CSOs’ strategic responses to governmental constraints and incentives;
- Leadership and governance models in collaborative arrangements;
- Organizational hybridity, institutional complexities, and its implications for public service delivery;
- The role of local governments in fostering effective partnerships with CSOs and Nonprofit organizations; and,
- Measurement and evaluation of collaborative outcomes.
(for notes / list of references, please contact the Guest Editors)
Submission Instructions
Proposals shall be submitted to the guest editors directly at bhmin@wayne.edu by May 31, 2025, with the email subject title, “IJPA special issue on Cross-Sector Collaboration Between Government and Civil Society Organizations”
The submitted proposals should be no more than 500 words (excluding references).
The guest editors will inform authors of decisions on proposals by June 20, 2025. All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following criteria:
- The relevance of the paper to some of the major themes above;
- The research question(s) and the theoretical/conceptual foundations for the research, a brief description of methods and data;
- The results to be reported; and,
- The impact of the research. Why is it cutting-edge, and what is its contribution to the public administration and nonprofit field?
Please note that acceptance of an abstract does not guarantee final publication, nor does feedback from the symposium editors. All manuscripts will be subject to peer-review by relevant subject-matter experts. Because IJPA is a global journal, authors are encouraged to engage with the prior academic scholarship on public and nonprofit organizations and collaborations, and contribute to the theoretical advancement using quantitative and/or qualitative approaches.
Timeline
The key dates are listed below:
- May 31, 2025 – Abstract proposal submission due
- June 20, 2025– Decisions on the proposal
- Oct 15, 2025 – Full paper submission
- Full papers must follow the IJPA editorial guidelines and submit to IJPA portal for the peer review.
Symposium Editors Contact Information
Special Issue Editor: Brian Byung Min (Wayne State University, bhmin@wayne.edu)
Co- editors: Jonathan Lubin (Georgia Southern University, jlubin@georgiasouthern.edu), Jihoon Jeong (Texas A&M International University, jihoon.jeong@tamiu.edu)