Abstract
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.
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.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s10464-012-9540-8
- Authors
- Erin R. Watson, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 238 Psychology Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Pennie G. Foster-Fishman, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 238 Psychology Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Journal American Journal of Community Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2770
- Print ISSN 0091-0562