Beyond individualism and the ecology of games: structures, institutions, and communication policy

Article Abstract:

Communications policy researchers should not readily adopt W.H. Dutton's proposed 'ecology of games' approach to understanding the policy formation process. Based on individualism, Dutton's theory-building paradigm neglects structures and institutions in reducing the dynamics of the policy process to the competition between different actors. In contrast, the structurationist ontology takes into consideration the biases of structures and institutions in policy analysis.

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The ecology of games and its enemies

Article Abstract:

Peter Shield's claim that the 'ecology of games' concept is an inadequate framework for understanding the various forces that shape communications policy arose from various misconceptions. One is an overly simplistic interpretation of Karl Popper's ideas. Another is his erroneous assumption that it excludes the role of structures and institutions when an in-depth study would have shown that both entities may be represented by actors.

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The ecology of games shaping telecommunications policy

Article Abstract:

The concept of an ecology of games as an approach to the study of communication policy is developed. Aspects of an ecology of games, rules, strategies and players, can be a framework for examining the system of action shaping public policy. Its application is illustrated by a comparative study of the ecology of games surrounding telecommunications policy in the US and those of other countries.

Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Telecommunications systems, Policy sciences

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