2026-10-13T11:42:41Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/32639943 2026-10-01T16:35:40Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Understanding internal network governance: the case of Qatar Nafja Al-Kuwari (24168990) PUREID: 609052232 Governance Network Governance Internal Network Governance Policy Coordination Accountability Small State Rentier State The objective of this study is to present a novel framework that elucidates how administrative systems operate in small, rentier states using the case of Qatar. This framework utilises the theoretical concept of ‘internal network governance’ to provide meaningful insights into state administrative operations. Internal network governance is defined as the combination of both vertical and horizontal modes of actor engagement within a given organisational context. It is operationalised here by means of the performance of two critical processes of government, accountability and policy coordination, which are examined across both dimensions. To better locate the Qatari case in the international context, the study connects existing literature in this domain with public administration research on network governance. In addition to contributing to established work on network governance, this study also provides new insights to help understand the influence of political and social norms in organizational design. A qualitative methodology is adopted that spans academic literature reviews, analysis of grey literature produced by Qatari public authorities and international organisations, and interviews with a variety of senior-level officials from two ministries: The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Social Development and Family. The study finds mixed evidence for internal network governance in Qatari public administration. This paper concludes with a set of recommendations on how future research can build upon these findings. <br><br><i>Thesis embargoed until 31 December 2027.</i><br> 2026-10-01T16:35:40Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32639943.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Understanding_internal_network_governance_the_case_of_Qatar/32639943 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2027-12-31