Gemeentelijke Sturing Op Wijkondernemingen.pdf

A comparative case study on the influence of municipal steering on the conditions of self-organization in neighborhood initiatives"
- Author: M.J. (José) Nederhand
- Supervisors: Prof. dr. V. Bekkers, Dr. A.W. van Buuren
- Examination Committee: Prof. dr. J. Edelenbos
- Script Advisor: B. Lubbers, MSc
- Affiliation: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Faculty of Social Sciences, Master in Policy and Politics
- Publication Date: September 2013
- Research Focus: The influence of municipal steering on the conditions of self-organization in neighborhood initiatives (wijkondernemingen)
- Methodology: Comparative case study of Amsterdam (bottom-up) and Amersfoort (top-down) municipalities, using document analysis and semi-structured interviews
- Findings:
- Steering and self-organization are interconnected; local authorities should consider the impact of their actions on self-organization conditions
- Top-down steering (Amersfoort) did not negatively impact self-organization more than bottom-up steering (Amsterdam), contrary to theoretical expectations
- Amersfoort's use of 'sturing als gemeenschappelijke beeldvorming' (bottom-up) mitigated negative effects of top-down steering
- Top-down steering in Amersfoort sparked energy and a 'we against the municipality' sentiment, positively impacting self-organization
- 'Sturing als gemeenschappelijke beeldvorming' is the most supportive steering form for resident self-organization, but requires time, investment, and a respectful, trusting climate
- Recommendations: Improve civil servants' and politicians' skills and competencies to support bottom-up initiatives and create a respectful, trusting climate for 'gemeenschappelijke beeldvorming