Event-focused network analysis: a case study of anti-corruption networks. Issue 1 (7th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pal, Leslie A; Spence, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Policy & society. Volume 39:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 91
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2020-02-07
• Subjects: Policy networks -- policy transfer -- anti-corruption -- OECD -- social network analysis; Policy sciences -- Periodicals; Social policy -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; International relations -- Periodicals; Sciences de la politique -- Périodiques; Politique sociale -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Relations internationales -- Périodiques; Australia -- Politics and government -- 1945- -- Periodicals; Australia -- Economic conditions -- 1945- -- Periodicals; Pacific Area -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Pacific Area -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Australie -- Politique et gouvernement -- 1945- -- Périodiques; Australie -- Conditions économiques -- 1945- -- Périodiques; Pacifique, Région du -- Politique et gouvernement -- Périodiques; Pacifique, Région du -- Conditions économiques -- Périodiques; 320.605
• DOI: 10.1080/14494035.2020.1716559
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1449-4035

Abstract

Abstract: Research on diffusion and transfer increasingly relies on the concept of policy networks, but often in inductive, descriptive, and anecdotal ways. This article proposes a more robust method for the comparative analysis of policy networks, a method we term 'event-focused network analysis' (EFNA). The method assumes that networks are most clearly revealed in 'events' – conferences, meetings, workshops, etc. Databases of participants at these events provide the foundation for social network analysis of the networks of which they are part. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has hundreds of such events annually that are connected to a myriad of policy issues, thus allowing cross-sectoral network comparisons. The article begins with a review and critique of current approaches to network analysis, explains the EFNA approach, and then applies it to anti-corruption networks centred in the OECD. The case study shows the promise of the method, particularly in being able to trace a wider range of actors than is typical, taking us beyond the 'usual suspects' in conventional transfer studies.