Structural Embeddedness of Political Top Executives as Explanation of Policy Isomorphism

Abstract

This study examines structural embeddedness of political executives as an antecedent of policy isomorphism in municipalities. Surprisingly, little public management research investigates the institutional and structural backgrounds for decision making and action. This article argues that the social network of political executives constitutes a conduit in which information as well as expectations and pressures flow. The study uses rare full relational network data of Danish mayors to analyze expenditure allocation similarity, policy isomorphism, in municipalities. Results of quantitative analyses show that mayor network centrality is positively associated with municipal policy isomorphism. The effect is amplified when mayors have more political power or come from rural municipalities or ones with a smaller bureaucracy and fewer administrative professionals. The study contributes to public management literature with a multilevel framework showing how individual level networks of political executives can shape decision making and action in public organizations.

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