One study, four cities: information impact in neighborhood economic development

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to create a theory on how a commissioned study impacts the decision-making of local government officials. Design/methodology/approach This study uses comparative case studies via the “Knowledge Cycle,” which is a method of examining information use for four distinct decision-making environments’ development (Baltimore, Maryland; Louisville, Kentucky; Detroit, Michigan; and Tampa, Florida). Findings This study reports significance in three factors that may explain information impact: the presence of an “information champion” who directs the application of the study toward initiatives that are important to them, the length of time that one can use information before it becomes outdated and the ability to use the study to spur dialogue with development stakeholders outside of local government. Research limitations/implications The limitation to this study is that it is limited to the observation of a specific population (local government economic development bureaucrats) and their use of a specific package of information. The debate is open to whether the findings of this study are relevant to actors using other types of information within other levels of government and within other fields of inquiry. Practical implications Advances in information technology and the proliferation of data intermediaries who can use sophisticated analysis warrant the understanding how government officials interact with the studies that they commission. Originality/value To date, there are few studies that have examined how a singular package of information is used in multiple decision-making environments. This paper adds to this dearth of scholarship while creating theory to how and why local decision-makers may use information.