'And the rest is implementation.' Comparing approaches to what happens in policy processes beyond Great Expectations. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hupe, Peter L; Hill, Michael J
• Is Part Of: Public policy and administration. Volume 31:Number 2(2016:Apr.)
• Page Start: 103
• Page End: 121
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Implementation -- policy implementation -- public policy -- public policy process -- policy formation -- policy formulation; Policy sciences -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 350
• DOI: 10.1177/0952076715598828
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-0767

Abstract

Implementation occurs as a 'late' part in the stages model of the policy process. As such, it is seen as following upon and subordinate to the preceding stages of agenda-setting and policy formation. Hence, implementation is often addressed as 'the rest'. This view on implementation as a presupposed residual in goal achievement implies little attention to 'political' dimensions, like ambiguity and conflict. Therefore, the view can only partially explain the – sometimes disappointing – results of policy processes. Alternatively, approaches to the policy/implementation nexus with an explicit focus on what happens at the street level have a greater explanatory potential. They are not taking implementation for granted as a seemingly technical matter, simply prescribed by policy objectives.