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Learning in Organizations and Public Policy

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  • BUSENBERG, GEORGE J.

Abstract

This study builds a conceptual framework to guide empirical studies of learning in public policy. Learning in public policy is defined here as a process in which individuals apply new information and ideas to policy decisions. This topic is examined by adapting relevant concepts from studies of organizational learning to the context of public policy. Recent work in the organizational learning literature focuses on institutional structures, procedures, and customs (learning arrangements) that act to promote individual learning. Further work in the policy literature suggests that focusing events (incidents that focus public and political attention on a policy issue) can also shape learning in public policy. Combining insights from these two literatures, this study proposes that both learning arrangements and focusing events can play observable roles in shaping policy change over time. These concepts are developed and examined in the context of hazardous systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Busenberg, George J., 2001. "Learning in Organizations and Public Policy," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 21(2), pages 173-189, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:jnlpup:v:21:y:2001:i:02:p:173-189_00
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Jones, Mavis & Einsiedel, Edna, 2011. "Institutional policy learning and public consultation: The Canadian xenotransplantation experience," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(5), pages 655-662, September.
    2. Taedong Lee & Susan Meene, 2012. "Who teaches and who learns? Policy learning through the C40 cities climate network," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 45(3), pages 199-220, September.
    3. Rebecca Page & Lisa Dilling, 2020. "How experiences of climate extremes motivate adaptation among water managers," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 161(3), pages 499-516, August.
    4. Deserai A. Crow & Rob A. DeLeo & Elizabeth A. Albright & Kristin Taylor & Tom Birkland & Manli Zhang & Elizabeth Koebele & Nathan Jeschke & Elizabeth A. Shanahan & Caleb Cage, 2023. "Policy learning and change during crisis: COVID‐19 policy responses across six states," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 40(1), pages 10-35, January.
    5. Sanne, Johan M., 2012. "Learning from adverse events in the nuclear power industry: Organizational learning, policy making and normalization," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 239-250.
    6. Meng Hsuan Chou & Michael Howlett & Kei Koga, 2016. "Image and Substance Failures in Regional Organisations: Causes, Consequences, Learning and Change?," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 4(3), pages 50-61.
    7. Michael Zarkin, 2017. "Policy Learning Mechanisms and the Regulation of US Drinking Water," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 275-291, June.
    8. Behnam Taebi & Jan H. Kwakkel & Céline Kermisch, 2020. "Governing climate risks in the face of normative uncertainties," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 11(5), September.
    9. Hamarat, Caner & Kwakkel, Jan H. & Pruyt, Erik, 2013. "Adaptive Robust Design under deep uncertainty," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 80(3), pages 408-418.
    10. Naim Kapucu, 2008. "Lessons of Disaster: Policy Change after Catastrophic Events," Public Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(1), pages 153-155, January.

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