Michael Woolcock

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Lead Social Development Specialist

1818 H. Street, N.W.

Mailstop MC3-306

Washington, DC 20433

United States

http://econ.worldbank.org/staff/mwoolcock

Harvard University - Kennedy School of Government

Lecturer in Public Policy

Littauer-G-11G

Cambridge, MA 02138

United States

http://ksgfaculty.harvard.edu/michael_woolcock

Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)

79 John F. Kennedy Street

Cambridge, MA 02138

United States

SCHOLARLY PAPERS

44

DOWNLOADS
Rank 5,081

SSRN RANKINGS

Top 5,081

in Total Papers Downloads

16,996

TOTAL CITATIONS
Rank 7,770

SSRN RANKINGS

Top 7,770

in Total Papers Citations

401

Scholarly Papers (44)

Using Mixed Methods in Monitoring and Evaluation: Experiences from International Development

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 5245
Number of pages: 30 Posted: 20 Apr 2016
Michael Bamberger, Vijayendra Rao and Michael Woolcock
affiliation not provided to SSRN, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 3,861 (6,033)

Abstract:

Loading...

Poverty Monitoring & Analysis, Scientific Research & Science Parks, Science Education, Poverty Impact Evaluation, Statistical & Mathematical Sciences

Using Mixed Methods in Monitoring and Evaluation: Experiences from International Development

BWPI Working Paper No. 107
Number of pages: 30 Posted: 05 Feb 2010
Michael Woolcock, Michael Bamberger and Vijayendra Rao
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), affiliation not provided to SSRN and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 720 (76,346)

Abstract:

Loading...

Mixed methods, program evaluation, impact assessment, context

2.

Solutions When the Solution is the Problem: Arraying the Disarray in Development

Center for Global Development Working Paper No. 10
Number of pages: 38 Posted: 19 Mar 2008
Lant Pritchett and Michael Woolcock
Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 1,121 (42,308)
Citation 38

Abstract:

Loading...

economic development, service delivery, principal-agent

3.

Capability Traps? The Mechanisms of Persistent Implementation Failure

Center for Global Development Working Paper No. 234
Number of pages: 51 Posted: 01 May 2011
Lant Pritchett, Michael Woolcock and Matthew Andrews
Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) and Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)
Downloads 1,103 (43,395)
Citation 72

Abstract:

Loading...

capability traps, implementation failure, economic growth, development, development techniques

4.

Interim Institutions and the Development Process: Opening Spaces for Reform In Cambodia and Indonesia

Brooks World Poverty Institute Working Paper No. 86
Number of pages: 31 Posted: 19 Jun 2009 Last Revised: 05 Jul 2009
Daniel Adler, Caroline Sage and Michael Woolcock
BA, LLB, World Bank and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 1,061 (45,694)
Citation 19

Abstract:

Loading...

Cambodia, Indonesia, development, interim institutions

5.

The Varieties of Resource Experience: How Natural Resource Export Structures Affect the Political Economy of Economic Growth

Middlebury College Discussion Paper No. 2003-08
Number of pages: 38 Posted: 24 Jun 2003
Jonathan Isham, Michael Woolcock, Lant Pritchett and Gwen Busby
Middlebury College - Department of Economics, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and Cornell University
Downloads 649 (88,471)
Citation 110

Abstract:

Loading...

Economic Growth, Institutions, Natural Resource Endowment

How and Why Does History Matter for Development Policy?

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 5425
Number of pages: 30 Posted: 20 Apr 2016
Michael Woolcock, Simon Szreter and Vijayendra Rao
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), University of Cambridge and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 478 (127,980)

Abstract:

Loading...

Cultural Policy, Economic Theory & Research, Population Policies, Cultural Heritage & Preservation, Development Economics & Aid Effectiveness

How and Why Does History Matter for Development Policy?

Brooks World Poverty Institute Working Paper No. 68
Number of pages: 33 Posted: 05 Jul 2011
Michael Woolcock, Vijayendra Rao and Simon Szreter
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) and University of Cambridge
Downloads 144 (436,331)
Citation 5

Abstract:

Loading...

History, Development policy, Institutions, Time, Contexts

How and Why Does History Matter for Development Policy?

Posted: 28 May 2009
Michael Woolcock, Simon Szreter and Vijayendra Rao
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), University of Cambridge and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Abstract:

Loading...

History, Development policy, Institutions, Time, Contexts

7.

Social Cohesion, Institutions, and Growth

Center for Global Development Working Paper No. 94
Number of pages: 34 Posted: 28 Apr 2007
William Easterly, Jozef Ritzen and Michael Woolcock
New York University - Department of Economics, University of Maastricht and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 592 (99,511)
Citation 40

Abstract:

Loading...

Political institutions, social cohesion, poverty, economic policy

8.

Arrested Development: The Political Origins and Socio-Economic Foundations of Common Violence in Jamaica

Brooks World Poverty Institute Working Paper No. 46
Number of pages: 41 Posted: 10 Sep 2008
Imani Duncan-Waite and Michael Woolcock
affiliation not provided to SSRN and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 475 (130,527)
Citation 5

Abstract:

Loading...

Jamaica, violence, Kingston, cohesive, democratic, social division

9.

Culture, Politics, and Development

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 6939
Number of pages: 23 Posted: 20 Apr 2016
Michael Woolcock
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 448 (140,573)

Abstract:

Loading...

Cultural Policy, Cultural Heritage & Preservation, ICT Policy and Strategies, Anthropology, Race in Society

10.

Local Conflict and Development Projects in Indonesia: Part of the Problem or Part of a Solution?

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 4212
Number of pages: 37 Posted: 20 Apr 2016
Patrick Barron, Rachael Diprose and Michael Woolcock
World Bank, University of Oxford and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 429 (147,329)

Abstract:

Loading...

Post Conflict Reintegration, Development Economics & Aid Effectiveness, Education and Society, Rural Poverty Reduction, Population Policies

11.

Escaping Capability Traps Through Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA)

Center for Global Development Working Paper No. 299, HKS Working Paper No. RWP12-036
Number of pages: 31 Posted: 10 Jul 2012 Last Revised: 30 Aug 2012
Lant Pritchett, Matthew Andrews and Michael Woolcock
Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 402 (158,766)
Citation 67

Abstract:

Loading...

12.

Governance in the Gullies: Democratic Responsiveness and Leadership in Delhi's Slums

World Development, February 2007, (Revised) , World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 3694
Number of pages: 37 Posted: 13 Sep 2005 Last Revised: 01 Oct 2013
Saumitra Jha, Vijayendra Rao and Michael Woolcock
Stanford Graduate School of Business, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 394 (162,350)
Citation 4

Abstract:

Loading...

13.

Legal Pluralism and Equity: Some Reflections on Land Reform in Cambodia

Justice for the Poor, Vol. 2, No. 2, April 2008
Number of pages: 4 Posted: 16 May 2008 Last Revised: 10 Aug 2009
Daniel Adler, Douglas J. Porter and Michael Woolcock
BA, LLB, affiliation not provided to SSRN and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 392 (163,350)

Abstract:

Loading...

Cambodia, law, land, legal pluralism

14.

Justice Without the Rule of Law? The Challenge of Rights-Based Industrial Relations in Contemporary Cambodia

Number of pages: 28 Posted: 08 Aug 2009 Last Revised: 06 May 2015
Daniel Adler and Michael Woolcock
BA, LLB and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 390 (164,236)
Citation 5

Abstract:

Loading...

Cambodia, Law, Development, Labor

15.

The Middle-Income Trap: Myth or Reality?

World Bank Research and Policy Briefs No. 104230
Number of pages: 4 Posted: 17 Sep 2018 Last Revised: 29 Mar 2019
Gregory Michael Larson, Norman Loayza and Michael Woolcock
World Bank, World Bank - Research Department and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 378 (171,629)

Abstract:

Loading...

Economic Theory & Research, Private Sector Economics, Industrial Economics, Educational Sciences, Private Sector Development Law, International Trade and Trade Rules, Economic Growth, Marketing

16.

Toward Successful Development Policies: Insights from Research in Development Economics

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 9133
Number of pages: 45 Posted: 31 Jan 2020 Last Revised: 22 Feb 2020
World Bank, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank - Development Research Group, World BankWorld Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank - Agriculture and Rural Development Department, World Bank, DECDG, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank - Research Department, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank - Development Economics Research Group (DECRG), World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG), World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 377 (170,613)

Abstract:

Loading...

Health Care Services Industry, International Trade and Trade Rules, Economic Assistance, Disability, Services & Transfers to Poor, Access of Poor to Social Services, Climate Change and Environment, Climate Change and Health, Science of Climate Change, Inequality

17.

The Challenge of Building (Real) State Capability

HKS Working Paper No. 074
Number of pages: 30 Posted: 09 Dec 2015
Matthew Andrews, Lant Pritchett and Michael Woolcock
Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 295 (222,733)
Citation 5

Abstract:

Loading...

Capacity-Building, Capability, Nation-Building, Development, State Governance, Governance

18.

Enhancing the Quality of Public Service Delivery: Insights from Recent Research

World Bank Research and Policy Briefs No. 117146
Number of pages: 4 Posted: 17 Sep 2018 Last Revised: 29 Mar 2019
Michael Woolcock
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 259 (254,545)
Citation 1

Abstract:

Loading...

National Governance, Government Policies, Public Sector Administrative & Civil Service Reform, Educational Sciences, Educational Populations, Youth and Governance, Education for Development (superceded), Education For All, Governance Indicators, Inequality, Democratic Government, Economics and Finance of Public Institution Development, Public Sector Administrative and Civil Service Reform, De Facto Governments

19.

Doing Problem Driven Work

HKS Working Paper No. 073
Number of pages: 47 Posted: 09 Dec 2015
Matthew Andrews, Lant Pritchett and Michael Woolcock
Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 258 (255,601)
Citation 5

Abstract:

Loading...

Governance, Management, Capacity-Building, Change Management

20.

Rethinking Justice Reform in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States: The Capacity of Development Agencies and Lessons from Liberia and Afghanistan

WORLD BANK LEGAL REVIEW: INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND GLOBAL LEGAL GOVERNANCE, Vol. 3, Cisse, Bradlow, Kingsbury, eds., World Bank, 2011
Number of pages: 24 Posted: 25 Nov 2011 Last Revised: 04 May 2015
Deval Desai, Deborah Isser and Michael Woolcock
University of London, School of Oriental & African Studies - School of Law, World Bank - Law and Justice (LEGAL) and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 256 (257,604)

Abstract:

Loading...

fragility, conflict, justice, rule of law, World Development Report 2011, Afghanistan, Liberia

21.

Empowerment and Local Level Conflict Mediation in Indonesia: A Comparative Analysis of Concepts, Measures, and Project Efficacy

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 3713
Number of pages: 36 Posted: 21 Sep 2005
Christopher Gibson and Michael Woolcock
Brown University and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 255 (258,623)
Citation 1

Abstract:

Loading...

22.

How (Not) to Fix Problems that Matter: Assessing and Responding to Malawi's History of Institutional Reform

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 8289
Number of pages: 34 Posted: 27 Dec 2017
Katherine Bridges and Michael Woolcock
World Bank and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 250 (263,753)

Abstract:

Loading...

Public Sector Administrative and Civil Service Reform, Democratic Government, Technology Industry, Technology Innovation, Non Governmental Organizations, Economics and Institutions, Public Sector Administrative & Civil Service Reform, De Facto Governments, Public Sector Management and Reform

23.

Engaging with Fragile and Conflict-Affected States

HKS Working Paper No. RWP14-038
Number of pages: 19 Posted: 09 Sep 2014
Michael Woolcock
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 204 (321,151)
Citation 3

Abstract:

Loading...

24.

The Politics of Rule of Law Systems in Developmental States: ‘Political Settlements’ as a Basis for Promoting Effective Justice Institutions for Marginalized Groups

Effective States and Inclusive Development Research Centre Working Paper No. 08, July 2012
Number of pages: 46 Posted: 06 Sep 2012 Last Revised: 03 Apr 2015
Deval Desai and Michael Woolcock
University of London, School of Oriental & African Studies - School of Law and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 188 (346,261)
Citation 2

Abstract:

Loading...

Rule of law, access to justice, justice systems, elite politics, political settlement, institutional form, institutional function, policy frames, political organization, state-society relations

25.

A Relational Approach to the Theory and Practices of Economic Development

Number of pages: 21 Posted: 29 Sep 2008
Michael Woolcock and Elizabeth Radin
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) and Columbia University - Mailman School of Public Health
Downloads 186 (349,729)
Citation 6

Abstract:

Loading...

social relations, group identity, adaptive solutions, trust

26.

Taking the Rules of the Game Seriously: Mainstreaming Justice in Development the World Bank’s Justice for the Poor Program

World Bank Justice & Development Working Paper No. 7/2009
Number of pages: 25 Posted: 17 Nov 2010
Caroline Sage, Nicholas Menzies and Michael Woolcock
World Bank, World Bank and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 185 (351,465)
Citation 7

Abstract:

Loading...

Justice, Access to Justice, Legal Empowerment, Development, Law, Judicial Reform

27.

Toward an Economic Sociology of Chronic Poverty: Enhancing the Rigor and Relevance of Social Theory

Chronic Poverty Research Centre Working Paper No. 104
Number of pages: 20 Posted: 23 Jun 2010
Michael Woolcock
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 184 (353,259)
Citation 2

Abstract:

Loading...

Social Capital, Trust, and Well-Being in the Evaluation of Wealth

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 7707
Number of pages: 23 Posted: 19 Jul 2016
Kirk Hamilton, John F. Helliwell and Michael Woolcock
World Bank, University of British Columbia (UBC) - Department of Economics and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 107 (553,167)

Abstract:

Loading...

Social Cohesion

Social Capital, Trust and Well-Being in the Evaluation of Wealth

NBER Working Paper No. w22556
Number of pages: 23 Posted: 31 Aug 2016 Last Revised: 18 Feb 2023
Kirk Hamilton, John F. Helliwell and Michael Woolcock
World Bank, University of British Columbia (UBC) - Department of Economics and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 74 (702,332)
Citation 1

Abstract:

Loading...

29.

Surveying Justice: A Practical Guide to Household Surveys

World Bank Justice and Development Working Paper No. 11/2010
Number of pages: 58 Posted: 16 Nov 2010
Kristen Himelein, Nicholas Menzies and Michael Woolcock
World Bank - Poverty Reduction and Economic Management, World Bank and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 180 (360,125)
Citation 2

Abstract:

Loading...

Access to Justice, Legal Empowerment, Surveys, Judicial Reform, Law and Development

30.

Intersubjective Meaning and Collective Action In'Fragile'Societies: Theory, Evidence and Policy Implications

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 5707
Number of pages: 39 Posted: 20 Apr 2016
Varun Gauri, Michael Woolcock and Deval Desai
World Bank, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) and University of London, School of Oriental & African Studies - School of Law
Downloads 143 (438,202)

Abstract:

Loading...

Corporate Law, Public Sector Corruption & Anticorruption Measures, Cultural Policy, Labor Policies, Population Policies

31.

Integrating Qualitative Methods into Investment Climate Impact Evaluations

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 7145
Number of pages: 38 Posted: 20 Apr 2016
Alejandra Mendoza Alcantara and Michael Woolcock
World Bank - Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 136 (456,210)

Abstract:

Loading...

Private Sector Economics, Private Sector Development Law, Marketing

32.

Documenting Myanmar's Social Transformation: Insights from Six Rounds of Research on Livelihoods and Social Change in Rural Communities

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 8055
Number of pages: 24 Posted: 11 May 2017
World Bank, World Bank, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) and World Bank
Downloads 132 (467,410)

Abstract:

Loading...

Social Accountability, Social Development & Poverty, Regional Governance, Youth and Governance, Government Policies, National Governance, Local Government

33.

The Projection of Development: Cinematic Representation as An(Other) Source of Authoritative Knowledge?

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 6491
Number of pages: 30 Posted: 20 Jan 2020
David Lewis, Dennis Rodgers and Michael Woolcock
London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), University of Glasgow - School of Social and Political Studies and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 86 (634,384)
Citation 1

Abstract:

Loading...

Arts & Music, Population Policies, Development Economics & Aid Effectiveness, Public Sector Corruption & Anticorruption Measures, Economic Theory & Research

34.

Implementing Adaptive Approaches in Real World Scenarios: A Nigeria Case Study, with Lessons for Theory and Practice

World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 8904
Number of pages: 37 Posted: 06 Aug 2019
Kate Bridges and Michael Woolcock
World Bank and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 74 (691,931)

Abstract:

Loading...

Health Care Services Industry, Adaptation to Climate Change, Health Service Management and Delivery, Family Planning Research

35.

The Projection of Development: Cinematic Representation as An(Other) Source of Authoritative Knowledge?

Brooks World Poverty Institute Working Paper No. 176
Number of pages: 22 Posted: 22 Aug 2012
David Lewis, Dennis Rodgers and Michael Woolcock
affiliation not provided to SSRN, affiliation not provided to SSRN and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 74 (691,931)

Abstract:

Loading...

development knowledge, representation, film, cinema, narrative

36.

Enhancing Public Health Outcomes in Developing Countries: From Good Policies and Best Practices to Better Implementation

HKS Working Paper No. RWP18-016
Number of pages: 14 Posted: 05 Jun 2018
Michael Woolcock
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)
Downloads 56 (800,975)

Abstract:

Loading...

Policy Implementation, State Capability, Public Health, Subnational Variation

37.

Experimental Justice Reform: Lessons from the World Bank and Beyond

Annual Review of Law and Social Science, Vol. 11, pp. 155-174, 2015
Posted: 11 Nov 2015
Deval Desai and Michael Woolcock
Harvard Law School and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Abstract:

Loading...

38.

Intersubjective Meaning and Collective Action in Developing Societies: Theory, Evidence and Policy Implications

Journal of Development Studies, Forthcoming
Posted: 29 Nov 2012
Varun Gauri, Michael Woolcock and Deval Desai
World Bank, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) and University of London, School of Oriental & African Studies - School of Law

Abstract:

Loading...

39.

The Rise and Routinization of Social Capital, 1988-2008

Annual Review of Political Science, Vol. 13, pp. 469-487, 2010
Posted: 14 Oct 2010
Michael Woolcock
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Abstract:

Loading...

40.

Breaking Legal Inequality Traps: New Approaches to Building Justice Systems for the Poor in Developing Countries

Posted: 19 Jun 2009
Caroline Sage and Michael Woolcock
World Bank and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Abstract:

Loading...

justice sector reform, access to justice, institutional reform, policy reform

41.

Abstract:

Loading...

Development, Project evaluation, Impact trajectory, Randomisation

42.

Global Poverty and Inequality: A Brief Retrospective and Prospective Analysis

Posted: 21 May 2009
Michael Woolcock
World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Abstract:

Loading...

Global poverty, Inequality, Development policy, UK government

43.

The Fiction of Development: Literary Representation as a Source of Authoritative Knowledge

Posted: 21 May 2009
David Lewis, Dennis Rodgers and Michael Woolcock
affiliation not provided to SSRN, affiliation not provided to SSRN and World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Abstract:

Loading...

development knowledge, representation, narrative authority, fiction

44.

The Varieties of Resource Experience: Natural Resource Export Structures and the Political Economy of Economic Growth

The World Bank Economic Review, Vol. 19, Issue 2, pp. 141-174, 2005
Posted: 29 Feb 2008
Jonathan Isham, Michael Woolcock and Gwen Busby
Middlebury College - Department of Economics, World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) and Cornell University

Abstract:

Loading...

tuberculosis, DOTS, direct observation, patient adherence, Pakistan