Bridging complexity theory and hierarchies, markets, networks, communities: a ‘population genetics’ framework for understanding institutional change from within
本文提出一个‘种群遗传学’框架，用复杂性概念解释治理动态，将层级、市场、网络、社区与内生变迁、遗传重组和适应度景观结合，帮助研究者理解行动者如何从内部改变中层制度，并以奥克兰初级医疗治理为例。
Complexity theory is highly compatible with institutionalist approaches to analysing governance. This article develops a ‘population genetics’ account of governance dynamics using complexity concepts. This framework joins ‘hierarchy, markets, networks and communities’ (HMNC) with concepts of endogenous change, genetic recombination, and fitness landscapes. Institutional environments comprise ‘populations’ that contain a range of genetic profiles. Change and stability are shaped by nesting and abrasion of alternative combinations within a governance field. This framework can help researchers understand how agents attempt to transform meso-level institutions from within, using the field of primary medical care governance in Auckland as an example.