Exploring Material and Ideational Dimensions in Policy Networks: A Social Network Analysis of Flood Disaster Risk Management in Ghana

Abstract

Flood disasters with cascading characteristics traverse decision-making levels involving a spectrum of actors. Actors involved in Flood Disaster Risk Management (FDRM) form networks to implement related policies. Utilizing an ideational policy network approach, this study contributes knowledge to the role of material and ideational exchanges in policy networks. Two empirical case-study research questions are posed: (1) How is Ghana's FDRM policy network structured in relation to information and resource exchange and trust? (2) How does ideational (mis)alignment influence this network? Methodologically, a quantitative Social Network Analysis is combined with qualitative interpretations. Results show that the current policy network primarily facilitates “information and knowledge exchanges” dominated by centralized state agencies reemphasizing traditional conceptualizations of the state as the primary duty bearer of disaster management. The network benefits from influential actors who act as brokers, fostering shared ideas of resolute problem-solving despite challenges, while maintaining strategic diplomatic ties that enable network endurance. The study reveals complex patterns of ideational alignment and misalignment, where actors' problem definitions do not necessarily correspond with their preferred solutions. Four distinct scenarios emerge: full alignment, partial alignment, partial misalignment, and complete misalignment of shared ideas, demonstrating how material and ideational dimensions interact to shape policy implementation outcomes.