Factors of Institutionalization. A Case Study of System Dynamics Capacity Building in National Planning Organizations
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2018-08-31
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en
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Abstract
National development planning is a complex, strategic decision making process which requires new
capacities to effectively develop and implement strategic policies. Through capacity building projects, the
Millennium Institute supports governments to improve the analysis and formulation processes of policy to
successfully reach development goals using a national system dynamics model. Unfortunately, not all
governments are equally able to sustain capacities built throughout the project. The difficulty of
institutionalizing novel capacities is observed in project interventions employing system dynamics and the
wider setting of capacity building projects. Behavioral components which influence the success of projects
have been investigated, however a framework which links this with sustaining practice has not been
identified.
Analyzing past projects of the Millennium Institute, this study develops a dynamic hypothesis of
institutionalization to understand why successful intermediate outcomes of system dynamics projects do
not always lead to sustained capacities. The research follows an inductive, explanatory research
approach by conducting three case studies, and converges insights from project reports, interviews, and
relevant literature into a single system dynamics model. Based upon the theoretical foundation of
structuration theory, the knowledge-based theory of the firm, and the theory of planned behavior, the
model emphasizes the recursive dynamics between structure and behavior, the importance of knowledge
coordination as well as the motivational factors which influence sustaining practice.
Simulating the case studies, the model stresses the importance of facilitating and integrating
routines around system dynamics to enable the client to continue the utilization of the tool and maintain
developed knowledge. Balancing technical training with the development of routines can support the
integration of new methods into current processes allowing the client to understand how the tool
contributes to fulfill the functional requirements of stakeholders. Refining the evaluation process by
conducting further in-depth case studies and simulating the implementation of other capacities could
further enhance the validity and generalizability of the framework.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen