Networking and Alliances

Abstract

Figure 4.1 represents the relationships between the organisations that are considered in this book. The graph provides a number of relevant observations. Firstly, the almost complete connection of the network may be noted; that is, there is only one sub-component consisting of regional organisations, suggesting that despite the great diversity of organisations in terms of policy area (business, trade unions, social, environmental, regional, etc.) the organisations involved in the discussion on participatory democracy were regularly in touch because of their interest in the same topic. The existence of this shared interest and a system allowing regular relations suggest that exchanges between these organisations on the subject of civil society participation can be characterised as an organisational field. Figure 4.1 confirms the existence of regular exchanges and mutual awareness, and significantly that these links were established despite the strong diversity of interests and goals. The following section analyses the objectives and motivations of organisations in order to understand what was at stake in these exchanges.