The Exchange Boundary Framework

Understanding the Evolution of Power within Collaborative Decision‐Making Settings

Bibliographic Data

ID11054881
AuthorsErin R Watson (0009-0000-1423-7787, Department of Psychology Michigan State University 238 Psychology Building 48824 East Lansing MI USA, corresponding author), Pennie G Foster‐fishman (Michigan State University), Pennie G Foster-Fishman (Department of Psychology Michigan State University 238 Psychology Building 48824 East Lansing MI USA)
Year2013
Volume51
Issue1-2
Pages151-163
Publication date2013-03-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Community Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-0562 • E-ISSN: 1573-2770
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1007/s10464-012-9540-8
PMID22760794
OpenAlexW2094176575
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited37

Many community decision‐making bodies encounter challenges in creating conditions where stakeholders from disadvantaged populations can authentically participate in ways that give them actual influence over decisions affecting their lives (Foster‐Fishman et al., Lessons for the journey: Strategies and suggestions for guiding planning, governance, and sustainability in comprehensive community initiatives. W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek, MI, 2004). These challenges are often rooted in asymmetrical power dynamics operating within the settings (Prilleltensky, J Commun Psychol 36:116–136, 2008). In response, this paper presents the Exchange Boundary Framework, a new approach for understanding and promoting authentic, empowered participation within collaborative decision‐making settings. The framework expands upon theories currently used in the field of community psychology by focusing on the underlying processes through which power operates in relationships and examining the evolution of power dynamics over time. By integrating concepts from social exchange theory (Emerson, Am Soc Rev 27:31–41, 1962) and social boundaries theory (Hayward, Polity 31(1):1–22, 1998), the framework situates power within parallel processes of resources exchange and social regulation. The framework can be used to understand the conditions leading to power asymmetries within collaborative decisionmaking processes, and guide efforts to promote more equitable and authentic participation by all stakeholders within these settings. In this paper we describe the Exchange Boundary Framework, apply it to three distinct case studies, and discuss key considerations for its application within collaborative community settings

Collaborative governance · Corporate governance · Economics · Engineering ethics · Knowledge management · Management · Management science · Political science · Power (physics) · Public relations · Social exchange theory · Social science · Sociology · Community Health and Development · Computer Science · Engineering · Evaluation and Performance Assessment · Health Policy Implementation Science

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