The Role of Practitioner Networks in the Successful Diffusion and Implementation of Policy Innovations: Lessons From Enterprise Zone Experiences

Author: Kenneth E. Poole

Dissertation School: George Mason University

Pages: 294

Publication Date: June 1999

Availability:
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Access Number: 10703

Abstract:
Policy diffusion is a process of interaction involving the transfer of knowledge about a policy idea from one person to another. Thus, explanations of policy diffusion should explore the role of the social structure of the network. This research will build on theories of policy innovation and diffusion by analyzing social networks as a contributing explanation for the diffusion of "targeted-investment zones" (such as enterprise zones, empowerment zones, and enterprise communities). The hypothesis is that the network of zone program managers and practitioners play an important role in the innovation and diffusion of enterprise zone policies. This research examined the diffusion of zone management and incentive policies by (1) reviewing changes in the program over time, (2) exploring the attitudes and behaviors of zone managers (representing the practitioners' community) about different zone-related policy options, (3) examining the willingness of zone managers to adopt new ideas, and (4) assessing the role of zone managers as a network in the policy diffusion process. The analysis revealed that the more central and closely tied the individual was to the practitioner network, the more innovative management practices had been adopted in the zone. The greater number of cliques and the more independent the individual was from the practitioner network, the more innovative policies that had been adopted in the zone.

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