Policy entrepreneurs and individuals: Influence and behavior in pandemic response

• DOI: 10.1111/puar.13629
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03T08:32:23Z
• Authors: Kristin Taylor; Rob A. DeLeo; Elizabeth A. Albr...; Elizabeth A. Shan...; Meng Li; Elizabeth A. Koebele; Deserai Anderson ...; Thomas A. Birkland
• Keywords: Framing (construction); Risk Perception; Pandemic

Abstract Policy entrepreneurs have traditionally been recognized for their ability to influence policymakers by framing policy problems and pairing them with preferred solutions. Does extend the public? We examine this question in context of COVID‐19 pandemic United States. analyze whether an individual's perception a visible, national‐level entrepreneur, director National Institute Allergy Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Dr. Anthony Fauci, influences perceived risk contracting virus uptake recommended mitigation behaviors. Findings indicate that approval Fauci predicts individual perceptions mask wearing practices, his particularly strong among conservatives. However, Fauci's as entrepreneur waned over time was moderated host factors such worldview, environment, media consumption.