Evidence-Based Decision-Making for a Public Health Emergency in China: Easier Said Than Done. Issue 6 (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Liwei; Chen, Kelin; Zhao, Ji
• Other Names: Holzer Marc guest-editor.; Newbold Stephanie P. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: American review of public administration. Volume 50:Issue 6/7(2020)
• Page Start: 720
• Page End: 724
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: evidence-based decision-making -- public health policy -- local government -- COVID-19 -- China; Public administration -- Periodicals; Public administration -- United States -- Periodicals; 351
• DOI: 10.1177/0275074020942410
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0275-0740

Abstract

This article aims to argue that evidence-based decision-making for a public health emergency is "easier said than done" reflected on COVID-19 response in China. For the local government, the behavioral pattern is prone to blame-avoiding instead of making decision following scientific evidence and experts' advice. However, such behavior is not based on completely subjective judgment but a rational choice for the local government. Some consequences associated with China's response to COVID-19 reveals an inflexible administrative system. Therefore, China's governance reform should focus on empowering local governments with more flexibility and resilience, which enables local governments to make independent and scientific decisions in an emergency.