Details about Michael Woolcock

Access statistics for papers by Michael Woolcock.

Last updated 2023-02-24. Update your information in the RePEc Author Service.

Short-id: pwo82

Working Papers

2025

1. Nearshoring in Hermosillo: Analysis of Economic Growth Opportunities
   Growth Lab Working Papers, Harvard's Growth Lab

2023

2. Process and Implementation Evaluations: A Primer
   CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University
3. Responding Adaptively to the COVID-19 Crisis in Indonesia: Insights and Implications from an Indonesian Governance Program
   CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University

2022

4. Measuring What Matters: Principles for a Balanced Data Suite That Prioritizes Problem-Solving and Learning
   Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank

2020

5. Toward Successful Development Policies: Insights from Research in Development Economics
   Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (1)

2019

6. Implementing Adaptive Approaches in Real World Scenarios: A Nigeria Case Study, with Lessons for Theory and Practice
   Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank
7. Reasons for Using Mixed Methods in the Evaluation of Complex Projects
   CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University
8. When Do Development Projects Enhance Community Well-Being?
   CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University View citations (4)
9. Why Does Hirschmanian Development Remain Mired on the Margins? Because Implementation (and Reform) Really is 'a Long Voyage of Discovery'
   CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University

2018

10. Enhancing Public Health Outcomes in Developing Countries: From Good Policies and Best Practices to Better Implementation
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University View citations (3)
    Also in Working Paper Series, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government (2018) View citations (3)

2017

11. Documenting Myanmar's social transformation: insights from six rounds of research on livelihoods and social change in rural communities
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank
12. Enhancing the quality of public service delivery: insights from recent research
    Research and Policy Briefs, The World Bank
13. Escaping Capability Traps through Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA)
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University View citations (3)
    Also in Scholarly Articles, Harvard Kennedy School of Government (2012) View citations (64)
    WIDER Working Paper Series, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER) (2012) View citations (59)
    Working Paper Series, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government (2012) View citations (66)
    Working Papers, Center for Global Development (2012) View citations (66)
    See also Journal Article Escaping Capability Traps Through Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA), World Development, Elsevier (2013) View citations (69) (2013)
14. How (not) to fix problems that matter: assessing and responding to Malawi's history of institutional reform
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (3)

2016

15. Doing Iterative and Adaptive Work
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University View citations (3)
16. Managing Your Authorizing Environment in a PDIA Process
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University View citations (1)
17. Scaling PDIA through Broad Agency, and Your Role
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University
18. Social Capital, Trust and Well-being in the Evaluation of Wealth
    NBER Working Papers, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc View citations (9)
    Also in Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank (2016) View citations (5)
19. The Big Stuck in State Capability for Policy Implementation
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University
20. The Middle-Income Trap: Myth or Reality?
    Research and Policy Briefs, The World Bank View citations (2)

2015

21. Doing Problem Driven Work
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University View citations (4)
    Also in Working Paper Series, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government (2015) View citations (7)
22. The Challenge of Building (Real) State Capability
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University View citations (6)
    Also in Working Paper Series, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government (2015) View citations (6)
23. Trust, Voice, and Incentives: Learning from Local Success Stories in Delivery in MENA
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University View citations (6)

2014

24. Culture, Politics, and Development
    Working Paper Series, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government View citations (1)
    Also in Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank (2014)
25. Engaging with Fragile and Conflict-Affected States
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University View citations (2)
    Also in Working Paper Series, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government (2014) View citations (2)
26. Engaging with Fragile and Conflict-Affected States: An Alternative Approach to Theory, Measurement and Practice
    WIDER Working Paper Series, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER) View citations (3)
27. Integrating qualitative methods into investment climate impact evaluations
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (1)

2013

28. The projection of development: cinematic representation as an(other) source of authoritative knowledge ?
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (2)
    Also in Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester (2012)
    See also Journal Article The Projection of Development: Cinematic Representation as A(nother) Source of Authoritative Knowledge?, Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals (2013) View citations (2) (2013)
29. Using Case Studies to Explore the External Validity of 'Complex' Development Interventions
    Working Paper Series, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government View citations (35)
    Also in WIDER Working Paper Series, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER) (2013) View citations (30)
    CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University (2013) View citations (17)

2012

30. Looking Like a State: Techniques of Persistent Failure in State Capability for Implementation
    WIDER Working Paper Series, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER) View citations (10)
    Also in CID Working Papers, Center for International Development at Harvard University (2012) View citations (14)
    See also Journal Article Looking Like a State: Techniques of Persistent Failure in State Capability for Implementation, Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals (2013) View citations (95) (2013)
31. The politics of rule of law systems in developmental states: 'political settlements' as a basis for promoting effective justice institutions for marginalized groups
    Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester View citations (1)

2011

32. Intersubjective meaning and collective action in'fragile'societies: theory, evidence and policy implications
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (4)

2010

33. Capability Traps? The Mechanisms of Persistent Implementation Failure - Working Paper 234
    Working Papers, Center for Global Development View citations (69)
34. How and why does history matter for development policy ?
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (9)
    Also in Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester (2009) View citations (3)
    See also Journal Article How and Why Does History Matter for Development Policy?, Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals (2011) View citations (17) (2011)
35. Using mixed methods in monitoring and evaluation: experiences from international development
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (28)
    Also in Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester (2009) View citations (1)

2009

36. Global Poverty and Inequality: A Brief Retrospective and Prospective Analysis
    Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester
37. Interim Institutions and the Development Process: Opening Spaces for Reform in Cambodia and Indonesia
    Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester View citations (25)
38. Towards a Plurality of Methods in Project Evaluation: A Contextualised Approach to Understanding Impact Trajectories and Efficacy
    Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester View citations (17)
    See also Journal Article Toward a plurality of methods in project evaluation: a contextualised approach to understanding impact trajectories and efficacy, Journal of Development Effectiveness, Taylor & Francis Journals (2009) View citations (17) (2009)

2008

39. Arrested Development: The Political Origins and Socio-Economic Foundations of Common Violence in Jamaica
    Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester View citations (3)
40. Legal Pluralism and Equity
    World Bank Publications - Reports, The World Bank Group View citations (1)
41. The Fiction of Development: Literary Representation as a Source of Authoritative Knowledge
    Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester View citations (11)
    See also Journal Article The Fiction of Development: Literary Representation as a Source of Authoritative Knowledge, Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals (2008) View citations (10) (2008)
42. Toward an Economic Sociology of Chronic Poverty: Enhancing the Rigor and Relevance of Social Theory
    Working Papers, eSocialSciences

2007

43. A Relational Approach to the Theory and Practices of Economic Development
    Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester View citations (2)
44. Breaking Legal Inequality Traps: New Approaches to Building Justice Systems for the Poor in Developing Countries
    Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester View citations (1)
45. Empowerment, Deliberative Development and Local Level Politics in Indonesia: Participatory Projects as a Source of Countervailing Power
    Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester View citations (1)
46. Local conflict and development projects in Indonesia: part of the problem or part of a solution ?
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (13)
47. Using Mixed Methods to Assess Social Capital in Low Income Countries: A Practical Guide
    Global Development Institute Working Paper Series, GDI, The University of Manchester View citations (13)

2006

48. Social Cohesion, Institutions, and Growth
    Working Papers, Center for Global Development View citations (186)
    See also Journal Article SOCIAL COHESION, INSTITUTIONS, AND GROWTH, Economics and Politics, Wiley Blackwell (2006) View citations (177) (2006)

2005

49. Empowerment and local level conflict mediation in Indonesia: a comparative analysis of concepts, measures, and project efficacy
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (7)
50. Governance in the gullies: democratic responsiveness and leadership in Delhi's slums
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (12)
    See also Journal Article Governance in the Gullies: Democratic Responsiveness and Leadership in Delhi's Slums, World Development, Elsevier (2007) View citations (34) (2007)
51. The fiction of development: knowledge, authority and representation
    LSE Research Online Documents on Economics, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library View citations (1)

2004

52. The Varieties of Resource Experience: How Natural Resource Export Structures Affect the Political Economy of Economic Growth
    Middlebury College Working Paper Series, Middlebury College, Department of Economics View citations (10)
    Also in Middlebury College Working Paper Series, Middlebury College, Department of Economics (2003) View citations (116)

2002

53. Solutions when the Solution is the Problem: Arraying the Disarray in Development
    Working Papers, Center for Global Development View citations (8)
    See also Journal Article Solutions When the Solution is the Problem: Arraying the Disarray in Development, World Development, Elsevier (2004) View citations (161) (2004)

2001

54. Small States in a Global Economy: the Role of Institutions in Managing Vulnerability and Opportunity in Small Developing Countries
    WIDER Working Paper Series, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER) View citations (11)

2000

55. On"good"politicians and"bad"policies - social cohesion, institutions, and growth
    Policy Research Working Paper Series, The World Bank View citations (9)

Journal Articles

2021

1. The Sounds of Development: Musical Representation as A(nother) Source of Development Knowledge
   Journal of Development Studies, 2021, 57, (8), 1397-1412 View citations (1)

2017

2. New Approaches to Identifying State Fragility
   Journal of Globalization and Development, 2017, 8, (1), 10 View citations (2)

2014

3. Conditional, unconditional and everything in between: a systematic review of the effects of cash transfer programmes on schooling outcomes
   Journal of Development Effectiveness, 2014, 6, (1), 1-43 View citations (125)

2013

4. Escaping Capability Traps Through Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA)
   World Development, 2013, 51, (C), 234-244 View citations (69)
   See also Working Paper Escaping Capability Traps through Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA), CID Working Papers (2017) View citations (3) (2017)
5. Intersubjective Meaning and Collective Action in Developing Societies: Theory, Evidence and Policy Implications
   Journal of Development Studies, 2013, 49, (1), 160-172 View citations (2)
6. Looking Like a State: Techniques of Persistent Failure in State Capability for Implementation
   Journal of Development Studies, 2013, 49, (1), 1-18 View citations (95)
   See also Working Paper Looking Like a State: Techniques of Persistent Failure in State Capability for Implementation, WIDER Working Paper Series (2012) View citations (10) (2012)
7. Relative Effectiveness of Conditional and Unconditional Cash Transfers for Schooling Outcomes in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review
   Campbell Systematic Reviews, 2013, 9, (1), 1-124 View citations (74)
8. The Projection of Development: Cinematic Representation as A(nother) Source of Authoritative Knowledge?
   Journal of Development Studies, 2013, 49, (3), 383-397 View citations (2)
   See also Working Paper The projection of development: cinematic representation as an(other) source of authoritative knowledge ?, Policy Research Working Paper Series (2013) View citations (2) (2013)

2011

9. How and Why Does History Matter for Development Policy?
   Journal of Development Studies, 2011, 47, (1), 70-96 View citations (17)
   See also Working Paper How and why does history matter for development policy ?, Policy Research Working Paper Series (2010) View citations (9) (2010)

2009

10. The next 10 years in development studies: From modernization to multiple modernities, in theory and practice
    The European Journal of Development Research, 2009, 21, (1), 4-9
11. Toward a plurality of methods in project evaluation: a contextualised approach to understanding impact trajectories and efficacy
    Journal of Development Effectiveness, 2009, 1, (1), 1-14 View citations (17)
    See also Working Paper Towards a Plurality of Methods in Project Evaluation: A Contextualised Approach to Understanding Impact Trajectories and Efficacy, Global Development Institute Working Paper Series (2009) View citations (17) (2009)

2008

12. The Fiction of Development: Literary Representation as a Source of Authoritative Knowledge
    Journal of Development Studies, 2008, 44, (2), 198-216 View citations (10)
    See also Working Paper The Fiction of Development: Literary Representation as a Source of Authoritative Knowledge, Global Development Institute Working Paper Series (2008) View citations (11) (2008)

2007

13. Governance in the Gullies: Democratic Responsiveness and Leadership in Delhi's Slums
    World Development, 2007, 35, (2), 230-246 View citations (34)
    See also Working Paper Governance in the gullies: democratic responsiveness and leadership in Delhi's slums, Policy Research Working Paper Series (2005) View citations (12) (2005)
14. Higher education, policy schools, and development studies: what should masters degree students be taught?
    Journal of International Development, 2007, 19, (1), 55-73 View citations (7)

2006

15. SOCIAL COHESION, INSTITUTIONS, AND GROWTH
    Economics and Politics, 2006, 18, (2), 103-120 View citations (177)
    See also Working Paper Social Cohesion, Institutions, and Growth, Working Papers (2006) View citations (186) (2006)

2005

16. The Varieties of Resource Experience: Natural Resource Export Structures and the Political Economy of Economic Growth
    The World Bank Economic Review, 2005, 19, (2), 141-174 View citations (486)

2004

17. Exploring Social Capital Debates at the World Bank
    Journal of Development Studies, 2004, 40, (5), 33-64 View citations (25)
18. Solutions When the Solution is the Problem: Arraying the Disarray in Development
    World Development, 2004, 32, (2), 191-212 View citations (161)
    See also Working Paper Solutions when the Solution is the Problem: Arraying the Disarray in Development, Working Papers (2002) View citations (8) (2002)

2001

19. Microenterprise and social capital:: A framework for theory, research, and policy
    Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), 2001, 30, (2), 193-198 View citations (22)

2000

20. Social Capital: Implications for Development Theory, Research, and Policy
    The World Bank Research Observer, 2000, 15, (2), 225-49 View citations (574)

Books

2018

1. Alternative Paths to Public Financial Management and Public Sector Reform
   World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group

2017

2. Building State Capability: Evidence, Analysis, Action
   OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press View citations (91)

2015

3. Trust, Voice, and Incentives: Learning from Local Success Stories in Service Delivery in the Middle East and North Africa
   (Confiance, voix au chapitre et mesures incitatives: Tirer des leçons du succès dans la prestation de services au niveau local au Moyen-Orient et en Afrique du Nord)
   World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group View citations (8)

2008

4. Social Exclusion and Mobility in Brazil
   World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group View citations (1)

2004

5. Measuring Social Capital: An Integrated Questionnaire
   World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group View citations (95)