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Table 1. Impact of diffusion mechanisms on effectiveness and payoffs
Mechanism
Definition
Impact on effectiveness
(m, n)
Impact on payoffs
(U
i
, U
j
)
Learning
The experience of others
supplies relevant information
on the effects of policies
Updating (fully rational or
bounded) of beliefs on m and n
Competitive and
cooperative interdep.
The choices of others create
policy externalities
Alter m and n through policy
externalities
Coercion
Pressures from powerful actors
Imposes costs on non-
compliance: alters U
j
/U
i
Common norms
Common norms of action
developed through interaction
in networks
Create shared beliefs on m and n.
Taken-for-grantedness
Some policies are considered as
natural choices
Attributes extreme values to m
and n
Symbolic imitation
Conformity to socially valued
policies is rewarding
Rewards compliance:
alters U
j
/U
i
Convention