Intersections between collaborative governance and communicative action: an analytical proposal

Abstract The New Public Management failed to present significant changes in the patterns of relations between the centralizing state and society. This research proposes an analytical approach based on the interactions between collaborative governance (CG) and communicative action theory (CAT), in order to study communicative collaboration (CC) practices involving the state and society. When looking for intersections among the theoretical assumptions in CG and CAT, the study identified four theoretical constructs that contribute to a collaborative scenario: multiplicity of actors, interdependence, inclusive deliberative process, and seeking consensus. The findings based on cutting-edge CG theory and on Habermas’ classic works demonstrate that CC assumptions enable environments conducive to inclusive social participation. The article argues that it is possible to build spaces conducive to communicative collaboration between the state and society, where there is equal participation among actors seeking shared understanding leading to practical solutions to public problems.