On Waves, Clusters, and Diffusion: A Conceptual Framework

2005/02/01 by Zachary Elkins, Beth A. Simmons, Beth Simmons · 147 citations
Business, Management and Accounting · Decision Sciences · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Adaptation (eye) #Artificial intelligence #Biology #CLARITY #Categorization #Cognitive psychology #Computer science #Conceptual framework #Diffusion #Economics #Epistemology #Evaluation and Performance Assessment #Meaning (existential) #Physics #Policy Transfer and Learning #Political Influence and Corporate Strategies #Political science #Politics #Positive economics #Principal (computer security) #Psychology #Social Policy and Reform Studies #Social science #Sociology

paper · open access · doi:10.1177/0002716204272516

published in Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) (Harvard University) 598(1), 33-51 (Harvard University)

openalex publication_date 2005/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

This article makes a conceptual and theoretical contribution to the study of diffusion. The authors suggest that the concept of diffusion be reserved for processes (not outcomes) characterized by a certain uncoordinated interdependence. Theoretically, the authors identify the principal sources of clustered policy reforms. They then clarify the characteristics specific to diffusion mechanisms and introduce a categorization of such processes. In particular, they make a distinction between two types of diffusion: adaptation and learning. They argue that this categorization adds conceptual clarity and distinguishes mechanisms with distinct substantive consequences.

Citations

• Institutionalized Organizations: Formal Structure as Myth and Ceremony
• Threshold Models of Collective Behavior
• Introduction: epistemic communities and international policy coordination

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