GOVERNORS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY: THE PERCEPTION OF THEIR ROLE AND THE REALITY OF THEIR INFLUENCE

Using survey data collected from former governors & state development agency directors (N = 104 & 40, respectively), how governors shape policy is discussed, focusing on the economic development policy arena, in which enhancing economic growth & encouraging diversification have become dominant concerns. Two aspects are highlighted: (1) governors' perceptions of their own role & responsibility, & (2) their actual influence over economic development policy. Results show that overall, the governors perceive themselves to be responsible for economic health in their state, with variations in perceived responsibility due to time served, orientation (eg, moralistic, traditionalistic), & political affiliation. It is concluded that states with varied economic interests are led by governors who are less dominant than the governors of states with less diversification & wealth. Policy implications are described. 23 References. C. Grindle