Visible places: Unpacking global and local embeddedness of civil society actors in Bulgaria

Abstract

Non-governmental organisations working collaboratively in solving cross-border societal problems, such as human trafficking, the refugee crisis and biodiversity, are located in very different environments which harbour a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The effectiveness of their collaboration depends on local factors, including relationships with key players. Using research carried out in a post-socialist context, the chapter explores place-related concepts, including networking and embeddedness in two case studies, and draws lessons for the sector. Additionally, it contributes to an understanding of place-based voluntary sector leadership through concepts of boundary-spanning leadership, dialectical leadership and paradoxical leadership that are particularly relevant in deliberating the role of the voluntary sector across global and local scales.