Failed policies but institutional innovation through “layering” and “diffusion” in Spanish central administration
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 29 February 2008
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to show that the Spanish central administration, as a representative of the Napoleonic tradition, has undergone considerable managerial changes in non‐autonomous and semi‐autonomous agencies characterised by their direct involvement in service delivery in spite of the failure of macro‐changes and radical reforms of public administration.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper provides case studies of “paths” of changes in three organisations.
Findings
Through “layering” and “diffusion” of institutions as social mechanisms included in the historical new institutionalism account for innovation, specific organisations like the tax agency, social security and property registry have become more managerial in a state dominated by public law.
Research limitations/implications
More in‐depth case studies would make possible generalisation of how small changes can produce similar impacts or results than reform efforts at the macro‐level.
Originality/value
The use of historical neo‐institutionalism and the exam of mechanisms as “layering” and “diffusion” for explaining change is presented.
Keywords
Citation
Parrado, S. (2008), "Failed policies but institutional innovation through “layering” and “diffusion” in Spanish central administration", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 230-252. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513550810855672
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited