Formulating a metaphysics of governance

This article canvasses the components that go to define the concept of governance and develops a framework to provide a coherent explanation of the dynamics of governance and the relationship between its many modes. To illustrate the validity of the governance framework, the paper focuses on the three primary patterns of governance as found in the “real” world; namely markets, hierarchies and networks. The impact of public management reforms of the past two decades is analysed in terms of these patterns of governance and a couple of specific reforms are looked at more closely. Through such discussion, it is possible to gain an appreciation of how the proposed JEWAL synthesis framework can help explain the dynamics of governance both at the level of society and at the level of groups or organizations. Finally, it is demonstrated how the framework is also applicable to governance of the individual’s personal life.