PBPL 2/122

PBPL Lecture 11:

Policy Implementation

• Definition: Activities aimed at effectively executing a program, which can take significant time (e.g., ACA).

• Key Roles in Implementation:

  • Doers: Street-level bureaucrats (e.g., case workers, teachers, police).

  • Managers: Direct policy implementation and coordinate efforts.

  • Fixers: Resolve tensions between managers and doers.

Red Tape

• Definition: Burdensome administrative rules; clarity on not all rules are red tape.

• Examples: Certain legal requirements in France highlight how excessive documentation can hinder processes.

• Key Question: Assess the effectiveness and necessity of rules to identify red tape.

Implementation Factors

• Source of Policy: Responsible parties influence implementation (e.g., presidential directives).

• Clarity: Clear policy intent is essential for successful enactment.

• Support: Strong support correlates with higher success rates.

• Complexity: Coordination required among agencies can lead to deviations from initial policy goals.

• Incentives: Aligning incentives for administrators is crucial for motivation.

• Resource Allocation: Availability of resources directly impacts policy success; refer to historical examples like Executive Orders.

Policy Coordination

• Types:

  • Horizontal Coordination: Involves multiple agencies at the same government level (e.g., DACA example).

  • Vertical Coordination: Involves hierarchical relationships between levels of government (e.g., No Child Left Behind).

Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Policy Making

• Top-Down: Focus on policy maker predictions on implementation outcomes.

• Bottom-Up: Focuses on behavior change at the street level.

• Examples: California fuel standards (top-down) vs. encouraging sustainable transport choices (bottom-up).

Encouraging Successful Implementation

• Levers:

  • Design Levers: Mechanisms established during formulation.

  • Operating System Levers: Guidelines for implementation.

  • Organizational Levers: Agency structure impacts.

  • Political Levers: Requires strong personal relationships to promote policies.

Summary of Key Concepts

• Understand policy implementation, key roles—doers, managers, fixers—and the factors influencing implementation, including red tape, clarity of policy, support, complexity, incentives, and resource allocation.

Upcoming Topics

• Week 7 Focus: Policy Analysis and Evaluation; preparation for tools for policy analysis.