| dc.description.abstract | This study investigates the processes in the municipalities, Hole and Hurum, during the regional reform in Norway, initiated by the conservative government in 2013. Both municipalities are small, in a national context, and are interesting studies, because it is a tendency that the small municipalities are negative to merge with other municipalities. In the summer of 2016, Hole decided to remain as a small municipality, while Hurum decided to merge with two surrounding municipalities. This study tests three theoretical explanations for why the difference in outcomes: rational-actor, community power and theory for change management. The study doesn’t find any explanatory value for community power in the two cases. The reform did not create much engagement and enthusiasm in the local community. However, this doesn’t prove that community power is irrelevant on this issue, only that the investigation conducted where not able to prove a clear link between the theory and outcome. When it comes to the two other theories, rational-actor and change management, they both prove to be valuable. It is clear that the decision-makers have taken both economical and reputational consequences into account, is according to rational-actor theory. However, the strongest finding, is that the actions of the policy-entrepreneur are crucial. Their engagement in the process, and their ability to create engagement, and feeling of inclusion between the decision-makers and citizens is decisive for the outcome. | eng |