Member duality and policy tourism: Learning in interlocal policy networks

Abstract

Organizational learning has long been recognized as a key determinant of success, yet research often overlooks how individual mechanisms initiate and drive collective learning over time. Utilizing policy tourism as an indicator of intercity learning, we construct an interlocal learning network among US cities from 2009 to 2016. Employing a temporal exponential random graph model, our findings suggest that the member duality of local managers can initiate and facilitate self‐organizing learning interactions among US cities through preferential attachment. Consequently, a core group of influential cities with member duality of local managers can control entry into the learning network and strategically promote the transmission of innovative management practices in particular cities. This study (1) underscores the significance of member duality in local managers for facilitating interorganizational learning, (2) incorporates the aspect of temporality in understanding interorganizational learning, and (3) highlights broader practical implications for collaborative governance in diverse network settings.