Causes Of Policy Convergence

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Policy convergence came into existence from the fact that the states who face the similar problems have been trying to solve them in similar ways to reach to an optimum solution for their growth. Policy convergence can be defined in one of the following ways. First, coming together of states and working towards a common goal. Second, it can refer to policy content which is a displays government policies, statues and court regulations. Third, Convergence can occur with the policy instruments i.e., institutional tools available to administer regulatory, judicial polices. Fourth, it can be defined as the coming together of administrative structures, institutions or performances. (Kerr,1983) These differences, represent analytical categories breaking…show more content…
This has been closely related to the development of European integration and globalisation. As an outcome of this research there is a body of studies that investigates the occurrence and the driving forces that cause policy convergence. But there has been a limited understanding of policy convergence because of two reasons. First, there has been more emphasis on the empirical results rather than systematic-theory building and second, policy convergence is a heterogeneous field of study. (Seeliger, 1996). The causal factors of policy convergence are also found in the literature of policy transfer, diffusion and isomorphism which are closely related to policy convergence. Hence these factors can be improvised as the causes of convergence. Hoberg (2001) lists parallel domestic problem pressures, emulation, international legal constraints as potential driving factors of convergence. Bennett (1991) mentions convergence through emulation, elite networking, harmonization and penetration. Thus the main causes of policy convergence have been identified as imposition, international harmonization, regulatory competition, transnational communication and independent…show more content…
According to DigMaggio and Powell imposition has been defined as “coercive isomorphism results from both formal and informal pressures exerted on organisations by other organisations upon which they are dependent”. Guler et al. refers to organisations within the state rather than to states. He points out that the organisations are likely to adopt behaviour which has been sanctioned by organisations that control resources. Another important factor which plays an important role in imposition is the resource dependence i.e., imposition is characterised by conditionality. Meseguer Yebra who deals with stabilisation of policies leads us to a qualitative conclusion that governments who are under the pressure of international financial institutors switch to liberal trade regimes. Imposition has been differentiated into two mechanisms as ‘direct imposition’ and ‘conditionality’(Dolowitz and Marsh 2000). When one government forces the other government to adopt a policy it is termed as direct

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