Policy diffusion in the Canadian electoral process : the case of British Columbia
Date
1986
Authors
Neufeld, Harold R.
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Abstract
This thesis examines policy changes that have occurred in the electoral process in British Columbia and other Canadian jurisdictions. Electoral law modifications made since 1970 are identified and the inter-jurisdictional diffusion of new electoral policies is analysed through an examination of ten policy features. The results of a questionnaire, distributed to all Canadian Chief Electoral Officers, are interpreted to determine the support given to propositions made by public policy researchers regarding innovation diffusion. British Columbia's electoral process is compared with the processes of other jurisdictions. Explanations for policy modifications in this field are examined in the context of the inter-governmental spread of innovative public policies. The literature surrounding concepts of public policy innovation and diffusion is reviewed and associated themes of agenda-setting and policy convergence are discussed.
Six hypotheses with regard to patterns of diffusion in public policy innovation are identified in the review of the literature, and these are used to provide theoretical direction for investigating the changes in Canadian electoral policy.
The study finds only one of the six hypotheses regarding diffusion of innovations in public policy to be supported. This hypothesis suggests that, where a policy area tends to be politically influenced, a low consensus will develop regarding leadership by any particular jurisdiction within the policy field. A corollary of this hypothesis, which is not supported, is that a 'low leadership' policy area is characterized by minimal diffusion.
Policy diffusion in Canadian electoral law indicates no discernible patterns of adoption. Innovations have not spread from large to small jurisdictions, nor have regional adoptions or leader/follower emulations become apparent. Diffusion of innovative electoral policy occurs in unpredictable patterns.