The multi-layer problem in implementation research
- 1 December 2003
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Public Management Review
- Vol. 5 (4), 471-490
- https://doi.org/10.1080/1471903032000178545
Abstract
This article argues that many discussions of implementation deal inadequately with the fact that several layers of government are often involved in policy processes. It thus identifies a multi-layer problem in the literature on implementation, and explores its dimensions. It argues that a failure to deal adequately with the problem leads to two particular pitfalls. One is that the notion of ‘dashed’ expectations on the part of one layer suggests either that there has been a failure of control, or that there have been interventions in the policy process that are seen as illegitimate. The other is that the relationship between layers is a simple and uniform phenomenon that can be expected to have similar characteristics in dissimilar situations. It then offers some proposals to deal with these pitfalls, and looks at what this reframing of the problem means for implementation research.Keywords
This publication has 25 references indexed in Scilit:
- Time for a revival? Public policy implementation: a review of the literature and an agenda for future researchInternational Journal of Management Reviews, 2001
- Developments in intergovernmental relations: towards multi-level governancePolicy & Politics, 2001
- Coping with Europe: the impact of British and German administrations on the implementation of EU environmental policyJournal of European Public Policy, 1998
- Implementation Deficit — Why Member States do not Comply with EU directives?Scandinavian Political Studies, 1998
- ‘Overcoming the divide’ between comparative politics and international relations approaches to the EC: What role for ‘post‐decisional politics'?1West European Politics, 1997
- Analyzing Mandate Design: State Mandates Governing Hazard-Prone AreasPublished by Test accounts ,1994
- Mandate Design and Implementation: Enhancing Implementation Efforts and Shaping Regulatory StylesJournal of Policy Analysis and Management, 1993
- The Pressman-Wildavsky Paradox: Four Addenda or Why Models Based on Probability Theory Can Predict Implementation Success and Suggest Useful Tactical Advice for ImplementersJournal of Public Policy, 1982
- COMPARING PUBLIC POLICY: An Overview*European Journal of Political Research, 1973
- The Science of "Muddling Through"Public Administration Review, 1959