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Motivation to Engage in Social Learning about Sustainability: An Institutional Analysis

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  • Krister Andersson

Abstract

We need better explanations of why some efforts to create forums for social learning succeed while others fail. I argue that a critical part of such explanations is a better understanding of the institutional constraints that impinge on individual motivations to engage in the coproduction of policy-relevant knowledge. I propose that framing the social learning process as a public-goods dilemma can provide several useful insights for both analysts and promoters of social learning initiatives. My institutional analysis identifies a series of hypothetical contextual conditions that are likely to influence potential participants’ interest in social learning activities. I examine these ideas empirically in a case study of organizational learning within the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

Suggested Citation

  • Krister Andersson, 2008. "Motivation to Engage in Social Learning about Sustainability: An Institutional Analysis," CID Working Papers 26, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
  • Handle: RePEc:cid:wpfacu:26
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social learning; institutional analysis; collective action; incentives; development aid; Sweden; donor organization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D7 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making
    • H4 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods
    • O2 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Development Planning and Policy

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