Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

There is a wide body of literature on the concept of policy diffusion. Despite the growing number of studies, only a small fraction of them have attempted to understand diffusion explanation for the adoption of a policy (Berry & Berry, 2017). Most of the existing literature focus on internal determinants with less emphasis on diffusion mechanisms of policy innovation (Shipan & Volden, 2008). According to Edwards, Wagner, and Grinstein-Weiss (2005), “understanding the diffusion mechanisms of policy innovations is essential for those engaged in the policy process such as policy makers, practitioners, and lobbyists” (p. 2). A deeper knowledge of the diffusion mechanisms of policy innovation by policy makers could lead to a more efficient and faster policy diffusion (Edward et al., 2005).

To contribute to the body of existing literature on policy diffusion with a focus on diffusion mechanisms, I attempt to provide answers to the following questions: What are the mechanisms for policy diffusion? Can the diffusion mechanisms occur in an interrelated manner during the diffusion process? Also I will also attempt to provide to the question of whether or not the success or failure of a policy influenced by the type of mechanism the adopting government uses.