Social Capital and Policy Implementation

• In Event: Predictable Patterns: An Approach to Bridging Policy-Implementations Gaps in Service of Educational Equity

Abstract

Objectives
Policy implementation is a complex process that requires careful coordination and cooperation among various individuals and organizations. This unique type of change seeks to bring about desired policy outcomes, but it demands a high degree of coherence and alignment among stakeholders. In the present chapter, we discuss how the success of policy implementation relies on the establishment of strong social capital, which focuses on the resources embedded within social relationships and structures.

Theoretical Framework and Methods
We locate our argument in a comprehensive review of research on education policy implementation from a sensemaking perspective. We also mine theoretical literature by key social capital scholars

Results
We show that by leveraging social capital, actors can access critical information, expertise, and support, enhancing their capacity to execute policy initiatives effectively. Building ties and trust among educators and leaders is crucial for the complex change of policy implementation. By contrast, challenges arise when social ties are sparse or limited in quality, hindering the flow of resources, and impeding successful implementation. Therefore, we suggest that policymakers can prioritize the cultivation of social capital by identifying and utilizing brokers who can bridge gaps and foster connections among diverse stakeholders, as well as consider the physical orientation of implementation spaces to facilitate interactions among individuals who are not naturally proximate.

Significance
By adopting a social capital lens and centering equity and racial justice, policymakers and researchers can gain valuable insights into the mechanisms that influence policy implementation, allowing for the development of strategies that enhance collaboration, trust, and equitable access to resources, ultimately driving more successful policy implementation and creating positive and transformative impacts within educational systems.

Author

• Lok-Sze Wong, University of North Texas