Public management courses: the potential of transactional distance theory: TDT framework to support a policy diffusion network. Issue 2 (27th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bueno, Ricardo Luiz Pereira; Hollnagel, Heloisa Candia; Lopes, Evandro Luiz
• Is Part Of: International journal of innovation in education. Volume 7:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2021-09-27
• Subjects: distance education -- TDT -- transactional distance theory -- success in distance education -- policy diffusion network -- public management -- structural equation modelling -- quantitative methods -- intention to recommend -- government employee; Education -- Periodicals; Educational innovations -- Periodicals; 371.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-151X

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to identify in the context of transactional distance theory (TDT) which factors influence the perceived quality of a distance education course, by the variable intention to recommend the course employing a previously validated scale (Paswan and Young, 2002). The proposed use of the scale proved to be efficient in predicting success in distance education network, and unlike expected, it is not the dialogue that explains success in distance education, but rather the structure of policy frameworks, the third predictive element is student autonomy. Thus, for the first time, a study was successful in employing a previously validated scale to highlight the importance of the three dimensions of TDT in the policy diffusion context. This study contributes to identify the main aspects to support a successfully policy diffusion network based in distance education tools fostering an effective interplay between bureaucrats and policy makers.