ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors analyse the role of international networks in the diffusion of activities between peak employers' associations. Based on network and diffusion theory, they hypothesise that these associations can decrease their own uncertainty about the costs and benefits of particular activities by learning from their counterparts in other countries. The authors find support for this hypothesis by analysing semi-structured interviews with representatives in 12 European countries. The findings suggest that similarity and geographical distance are less important than success in explaining how other associations' activities are adopted. However, the authors also find that organisational and institutional constraints are a limiting factor in the diffusion of even successful activities.
