Part III. Variations of PA

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Questions and Answers

What does normative isomorphism primarily involve?

  • The competition between organizations in a market
  • The enforcement of legal frameworks
  • The exclusion of non-conforming entities
  • The diffusion of standardized norms and practices (correct)

Which international organizations are mentioned as influential in the diffusion of administrative trends?

  • IMF and World Bank
  • WTO and ASEAN
  • UN and OECD (correct)
  • NATO and EU

What is a primary driver behind states adopting similar administrative practices?

  • Economic benefit from governmental efficiency
  • The desire for legitimacy within international norms (correct)
  • Isolation from international standards
  • Competition among existing governments

The dominance of graduates from prestigious institutions in public service roles exemplifies which aspect of isomorphism?

<p>Normative isomorphism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could a superficial isomorphic change result in?

<p>Decoupling of formal procedures from actual practices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do professional networks contribute to normative isomorphism?

<p>By sharing perspectives and norms among members (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes mimetic isomorphism?

<p>Imitating successful practices of other organizations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does sociological institutionalism primarily aim to explain?

<p>Reasons for organizations adopting new practices and structures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Anglo-American administrative tradition?

<p>The state is one of the providers of services to citizens. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tradition is characterized by a more organic relationship between state and society?

<p>Germanic tradition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which tradition does the state play a strong role in providing welfare?

<p>Scandinavian tradition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of administrative traditions in postcolonial regions?

<p>They combine native elements with colonial legacies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the continental European administrative tradition?

<p>It prescribes a specific form of state organization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which subtradition is typically further distinguished as being more hierarchist?

<p>Napoleonic tradition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant criticism of the understanding of non-European administrative traditions?

<p>They are treated with a strong Western bias. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the Anglo-American tradition?

<p>It emphasizes the importance of limited government. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the phenomenon where countries imitate successful models from frontrunners like the UK?

<p>Mimetic isomorphism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has Sweden's approach to the agency trend been characterized?

<p>Partial adoption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Germany's response to the agency trend?

<p>Ceremonial adoption (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in Hungary following the peak of agencification?

<p>Reversal and centralization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of performance management was notably absent in Sweden prior to the adoption of the trend?

<p>Management by results (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of isomorphism is primarily driven by organizations that advocate for a specific practice, like the OECD's promotion of executive agencies?

<p>Normative isomorphism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the adoption trend in Germany regarding autonomy in agencies?

<p>Symbolic changes with no managerial autonomy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common motivation underpinned Hungary's adoption of the agency trend initially?

<p>Move away from communism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of agencification in Hungarian politics reflect?

<p>A growing preference for hierarchical control (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors influences the adaptation of international trends in public administration?

<p>Political preferences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the phenomenon where countries adopt parts of a trend in search of legitimacy?

<p>Isomorphism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In public administration, competing norms and ideas are often influenced by which of the following?

<p>International organizations and professional networks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge in adapting an international public administration trend uniformly?

<p>Path dependency (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does historical institutionalism focus on in the context of public administration?

<p>Legacies and past practices (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main influence of historical institutionalism on public administration?

<p>It emphasizes that historical choices lead to a trajectory that is challenging to modify. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Ziblatt, what characteristic do federal nation-states' subnational sovereign governments possess?

<p>Constitutionally embedded institutional characteristics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of sociological institutionalism?

<p>Goals and meanings are constructed through social interactions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect reflects broader changes in public administration practices?

<p>Emerging administrative trends (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does sociological institutionalism view the pursuit of efficiency?

<p>As a socially constructed agreement within a society. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traditions is typically included in the administrative traditions of Western Europe?

<p>A Napoleonic tradition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue did several former communist countries face when preparing for EU accession?

<p>The necessity to overcome their communist legacies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In historical institutionalism, what is meant by 'path dependency'?

<p>The idea that past choices shape future realities and decisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the sociological institutionalism from rational choice institutionalism?

<p>Sociological institutionalism emphasizes the construction of meaning. (A), Rational choice institutionalism ignores social constructs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the concept of administrative tradition considered 'messy'?

<p>It combines various historical, cultural, and geographical elements. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term isomorphism refer to in organizational sociology?

<p>The forces that make organizations in an organizational field increasingly similar. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do organizations adopt new institutional practices according to sociological perspectives?

<p>To gain social legitimacy in the eyes of stakeholders. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to DiMaggio and Powell, what is the main motivation for organizations, after early adopters, to adopt innovations?

<p>To seek legitimacy rather than improved performance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of isomorphic change as suggested by Meyer and Rowan?

<p>Decoupling of external practices from internal practices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of organizations did DiMaggio and Powell suggest isomorphism could be applied to?

<p>Any sector, including public, private, and third sectors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the driving force behind the organizational search for legitimacy?

<p>Gaining approval from external stakeholders such as citizens and regulators. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of organizational change does isomorphism primarily focus on?

<p>The uniformity of structures and procedures in an organizational field. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the result of genuine isomorphic change according to DiMaggio and Powell?

<p>Increased efficiency in interactions with the external environment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Western Administrative Traditions

The most widely researched and applied model of Public Administration, emphasizing individual rights and a limited government.

Anglo-American Tradition

A model of public administration that prioritizes individual rights and a limited government role, often associated with Anglo-American countries.

Napoleonic Tradition

A model of public administration where the state is hierarchically superior to society with a central authority.

Germanic/Central European Tradition

A model of public administration where the relationship between state and society is seen as organic and cooperative, with both growing together.

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Scandinavian/Northern European Tradition

A model of public administration with a strong state role in providing welfare and a decentralized system.

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Comparative Public Administration

The study and comparison of administrative traditions across different countries and cultures, often focusing on historical and cultural influences.

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Postcolonial Public Administration

Public administration systems and practices in countries that have experienced colonialism, often blending native and colonial influences.

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Western Bias in Public Administration

The limited understanding of administrative traditions outside of the Western world, leading to a bias in research and literature.

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Historical Institutionalism

A theoretical framework explaining the persistence of administrative practices (PA) like policy-making, implementation, and evaluation.

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Path Dependency

The tendency for prior decisions and choices to limit future options in administrative practices.

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Administrative Traditions

The distinct traditions and legacies of administrative practices in a country or region.

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Sociological Institutionalism

A theory that focuses on how institutions, like administrative systems, shape the meaning and goals of individuals.

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Socially Constructed Goals

The idea that individuals are motivated by socially constructed goals and meanings.

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Social Animals

The concept that individuals are social beings that strive to behave in accordance with social norms and expectations.

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Efficiency as a Socially Constructed Goal

An assumption that efficiency, though often pursued, is not a universally objective value but is influenced by social norms and expectations.

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Sociological Institutionalism: Explaining Change

A theoretical framework explaining the way change and trends are adopted within administrative practices.

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Normative Isomorphism

The increasing similarity of organizations based on the spreading of shared beliefs about what's right and wrong.

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Diffusion of Norms

The process by which ideas about appropriate structures and procedures spread within professional groups, networks, and education systems.

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Administrative Trends

The tendency for public administration practices to be adopted by various countries, often through the influence of international organizations like the UN and OECD.

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Isomorphic Change

The idea that organizations, especially in public administration, tend to adopt new structures and practices based on what is perceived as socially acceptable or legitimate.

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Decoupling

External procedures and structures of an organization may be adopted just to appear legitimate, while the actual internal practices may be different.

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Coercive Isomorphism

Organizational change driven by external pressures, such as laws or regulations.

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Mimetic Isomorphism

Organizational change motivated by mimicking the practices of successful organizations.

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Normative Isomorphism

Organizational change driven by professional norms and values, often influenced by education and shared experiences.

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Isomorphism

The process where organizations within a field become increasingly similar in their structures, practices, and procedures.

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Organizational Field

A group of organizations that are interconnected, share information, and operate in a similar environment.

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Isomorphism and Legitimacy

The main driving force behind isomorphism is an organization's desire to be seen as legitimate and acceptable by external stakeholders.

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The Innovation Adoption Process

Early adopters of organizational innovations often pursue efficiency, but later adopters are more likely to prioritize legitimacy.

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Myths and Ceremonies

The adoption of new practices and structures as a way to appear legitimate, even if they have little impact on actual performance.

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Effects of Isomorphism

Isomorphic change can lead to increased interaction with the organizational environment, even if it doesn't always improve internal efficiency.

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DiMaggio and Powell

The authors who introduced the concept of isomorphism and its link to legitimacy.

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Mimetic and Normative Isomorphism

The phenomenon where countries copy successful practices from other countries, driven by international norms and organizations.

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Uncoordinated Adoption

When countries readily embrace international trends and adopt new practices, potentially without fully considering their specific context.

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Ceremonial Adoption

When countries implement policies or practices superficially, primarily for symbolic reasons, without making significant changes to their existing structures or procedures.

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Partial Adoption

When a country adopts a trend only partially, integrating it with its existing practices while maintaining its unique administrative traditions.

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Agencification

A trend where government functions are transferred to independent agencies, meant to improve efficiency and accountability.

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De-agencification

A process where government functions are brought back under central government control, often reversing previous agencification.

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Performance Management

An approach to public administration where managers are given more autonomy and are evaluated based on tangible results.

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Federalism

A government system where power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments, each with specific areas of responsibility.

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Administrative Capacity

The ability of the state's administrative machinery to effectively implement policies, manage resources, and deliver public services efficiently.

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Comparative Historical Analysis

The process of studying historical developments and the influence of past events on present administrative practices.

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Political Science

The study of how political structures and institutions shape power and decision-making processes.

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Public Administration

The study of how public organizations are structured, function, and how they deliver public services.

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Forces of Change (Sociological New Institutionalism)

The concept that organizations are influenced by various pressures and norms emanating from external institutions and professional networks.

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Study Notes

Video 1: Explaining Persistence and Change in PA

  • Hood summarized approaches to state organizations and public administration (PA) into four models:
    • Hierarchist: Experts, formal rules, and procedures.
    • Individualist: Market forces and competition.
    • Egalitarian: Community and participation.
    • Fatalist: Critique of the other three models.
  • These are ideal-type models (theoretical constructs) for organizing ideas and examples.
  • In reality, models often overlap and combine (layering).
  • Examples include Cameralists who combined hierarchist and egalitarian approaches, Frederic Taylor's emphasis on efficiency and scientific research (hierarchist), and Ancient Athenian democracy (egalitarian).
  • The hierarchist model is the most prominent in modern PA around the world, although other models are present in varying degrees.

Interactions of the Models in Practice

  • Interaction of models in practice: models often overlap and combine features.
  • Layering of models: Tools and practices from different models are often combined within organizations.

Video 2 Historical Institutionalism

  • Historical Institutionalism helps understand the enduring diversity in state structures.

  • It emphasizes historical development, timing, and sequencing of events in shaping current institutions.

  • Initial choices create a path that is difficult to change (path dependency).

  • Historical paths in PA include administrative traditions and legacies from past governments, including from colonial powers.

  • No single clear logic for classifying states; they are grouped into families sharing administrative traditions.

  • There are important variations in administrative traditions, Western administrative traditions are differentiated.

  • Western administrative traditions

    • Anglo-American: The state is a provider of services, with a focus on limiting government intervention (individualistic model).
    • Continental European: The state is hierarchically superior to society (hierarchist model often combined with elements from the Napoleonic or Germanic/central European tradition).
  • Non-European traditions include varying levels of governmental authority and structure.

  • The debate around these traditions faces challenges linked to extensive diversity.

Video 3: Sociological Institutionalism

  • Sociological institutionalism explains the adoption of trends in PA, independent of rational choice and historical institutionalism.
  • This perspective emphasizes how social structures, norms, and values affect individual actions.
  • Meaning, goals, and values are socially constructed.
  • Key concepts include isomorphism (processes driving similarity among organizations).
  • Isomorphism types
    • Coercive: External pressure (e.g., laws, funding requirements).
    • Mimetic: Imitation of perceived successful models.
    • Normative: Shared norms and values concerning appropriate structures.
  • The adoption of certain structures/procedures is often in response to external pressure.

Video 4: Change and Persistence—The Example of Agencies

  • Agencification is the trend of creating independent agencies to handle executive tasks in government.

  • This trend started in the UK (Thatcher era) and spread to other countries.

  • Agencification is primarily motivated by a perceived need for increased efficiency in implementing government policies, but other factors such as path dependence, traditions, and norms are relevant

  • There's a trend of partial adoption of the trend (agencies) within different countries.

  • The adoption of agency structures in other countries isn’t uniform and often happens through various forms of isomorphism.

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