The Competition for Dollars, Scholars and Influence in the Public Policy Research Industry

This is a comprehensive study of independent public policy research organizations in America. It offers a comparative analysis of the history, evolving character, and strategy and structure of think tanks. McGann presents the largest and most comprehensive study of independent public policy research organizations in America conducted to date. The study is a comparative analysis of the history, evolving character, and strategy and structure of think tanks. In an attempt to capture the diversity that exits among these non-profit institutions, the study compares and contrasts seven categories of policy research organizations. The comparative analysis focuses on the "target" audiences (markets), organizational structure, products, and staffing patterns of over 85 organizations. The study also examines why these institutions are so prevalent in the U.S., their role in the policy formulation process, and their relation to interest groups. Contents: PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS IN CONTEXT; Introduction Methods and Motives; Think Tanks: I Know One When I See One; Developing a Working Definition of Public Policy Research Institutions; Academic Ideologies: Public Policy Research Institutions and the American Democratic Experience; COMPETITION AND ORGANIZATION INNOVATION; An Analytical Framework for Studying the Public Policy Industry; Strategic Groups and the Strategy and Structure of the Public Policy Research Industry; Analyzing the Competition for Dollars, Scholars and Influence; Conclusions and Implications for the Industry; Study Highlights and Suggestions for Future Research; Appendix; Bibliograhy; Index.