Situations of action and cooperative games: A theoretical analysis on the double dimension of collective action for community governance of common-pool resources

Abstract

The objective of this theoretical article is to analyze community collective action around natural common-pool resources (NCPR) from a different point of view. In line with the concepts of action situation and adjacent action situations, we conceive collective action not only as the factor that avoids the tragedy of the commons, but also as a strategic means that communities use to demonstrate effectiveness in the sustainable use of their NCPR and hence have contributions delivered by the state through public policy instruments. The institutional designs of these instruments encourage users to generate collective action, thus reinforcing the role of community rules of appropriation and provision.